Queen Elizabeth I Cameo Locket.
Gold, Sapphire, Onyx, Enamel, Miniature. Private collection.
The oval gold locket enameled with black and white pea-pod ornament at the sides is mounted on the lid with a sapphire cameo portrait of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) and with an onyx cameo bust of Cleopatra with the asp on the back. Inside there is an enameled miniature of Charles I (1600-1648) facing front with a melancholy expression, wearing sash of the Order head standing out against a celestial blue ground. Locket: early 17th century, Cameo: second half of the 16th century. (source: http://www.albionart.com)