"The pendant is made of 24K gold and is a locket enameled in red and white with an entwined Tudor rose and pomegranate, emblem of Katherine of Aragon, and one side and the initials H and K entwined with a ribbon on the other side. A banner at the bottom of both sides contains the inscription + TOVS + IORS (the French toujours meaning always) in red enamel lettering."
"The locket hangs from a chain of 75 links 17.2 inches long. It is attached by a gloved hand clenched in a fist with a cuff of white enamel decorated with black dots suggesting ermine fur. A cloud shape above the cuff of the glove suggests it represents the diving hand of God, symbol of love and The chain and hand are also made of 24K gold."
British Museum has launched a fundraising campaign to raise 3.5 million ($4.7 million) by April 2026 to prevent a unique gold and enamel heart-shaped pendant commemorating Henry VIII's marriage to Katherine of Aragon from entering a private collection. The pendant is 24K gold, red-and-white enameled, with a Tudor rose and pomegranate, entwined H and K initials, and the inscription '+ TOVS + IORS.' The locket and chain date to 1509–1530 based on Lombardic script, decorative design, and material analysis. Research suggests possible commissioning for Princess Mary's 1518 betrothal to the French Dauphin, tied to the Treaty of London; that betrothal was repudiated in 1521.
Read at www.thehistoryblog.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]