THE PENICUICK JEWELS
This gold necklace, locket and pendant date from the late 16th century.
Known as the ‘Penicuik Jewels’, they are said to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots.
The necklace has 14 large oval beads of filigree work, divided by smaller circular beads and would have originally contained perfume.
The enamelled locket has painted miniatures showing a man and a woman, said to be Mary and her son James.
The pendant was most likely attached to the locket.
Mary took great pleasure in her magnificent jewellery collection.
She brought many splendid pieces from France in 1561.
In Scotland she inherited jewels from her mother, and continued to buy new items.
Mary’s collection included rings, pendants, bracelets, belts, earrings, buttons, crucifixes, and rosaries, complete with bejewelled gold heads.
All were made of gold, enriched with enamelling in bright colours, and set with precious stones especially rubies, diamonds, emeralds and sapphires.
The ‘Penicuik Jewels’
