The Chequers Ring Belonging To Elizabeth I
The Chequers Ring is a delicate and highly personal piece of jewellery dating back to 1570.
It offers a rare glimpse into the private life of one of England's most iconic monarchs, Queen Elizabeth I.
This remarkable ring, beautifully crafted from mother-of-pearl and adorned with rubies and diamonds, was more than just a piece of jewellery for Elizabeth.
It was a secret link to her mother, Anne Boleyn, whose tragic fate profoundly impacted her life and reign.
It’s as an exquisite example of Elizabethan jewellery.
Mother-of-pearl forms the base, lending a soft, opalescent glow to the ring, while intricate engravings and gem settings speak to the high level of craftsmanship of the period.
Embedded with rubies and diamonds, this ring’s detailed design reflects Elizabeth’s love for opulent adornments, but also serves as a subtle yet powerful piece of symbolism, conveying the regal splendour she cultivated during her rule.
But the real intrigue of the Chequers Ring lies beneath its face.
Inside the ring, hidden from view, are two tiny portraits: one of Elizabeth I herself, and the other, of a dark-haired woman with delicate features, believed to be her mother, Anne Boleyn.
This tiny, intimate compartment, designed to be kept secret and close, was a deeply personal memento, concealed from everyone around her.
Elizabeth I was only two and a half years old when her mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed by her father, King Henry VIII, in a highly controversial and widely criticised act.
The young Elizabeth was branded the illegitimate daughter of a disgraced queen, stripped of her position in the line of succession, and relegated to the periphery of Tudor politics.
Yet, despite the challenges and pain of her childhood, Elizabeth carried with her the memory of her mother, often through symbolic gestures and mementos like the Chequers Ring.
The inclusion of her mother’s portrait in the ring suggests a quiet rebellion against the way Anne’s legacy had been tarnished, as well as a way for Elizabeth to privately acknowledge her mother’s influence and significance.
The two portraits are nearly identical in their pose and frame, implying an intended connection between the two women - a silent but powerful statement of solidarity between mother and daughter, both marginalised and yet crucial figures in English history.
The Chequers Ring was uncovered centuries after Elizabeth’s death, found among her possessions that passed into the estate of the Chequers House, now the official country residence of British Prime Ministers.
The significance of the ring was not fully recognised until it was studied in detail, revealing the hidden portraits that linked Elizabeth to her mother.
The ring is now part of the Chequers Trust’s private collection and is not on permanent public display.
Since Chequers serves as the official country residence for the British Prime Minister, public access to it is very restricted, with occasional viewings for special events or exhibitions.
However, the ring has occasionally been loaned to museums for exhibitions focused on Tudor history, giving the public a chance to view it outside Chequers.
For those interested in Elizabethan history, keeping an eye on exhibitions at major institutions like the British Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum may offer a rare opportunity to see the ring up close.
Reacting to the ring on social media, someone said: “Owned by the nation and yet not open to the public. This remarkable item should be on display to the public.
“In this day and age, it’s surely no longer acceptable that its reserved for a privileged few.”
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