This beautiful Renaissance-style piece of jewellery was a gift from William Alleyne, 3rd Marquess of Exeter (1825-1895), to his wife Georgina.
The case is applied with two oval plaques, one inscribed: ‘To Georgina Sophia Exeter on the 25th Anniversary of her Wedding Day, from her Affectionate Husband Oct. 17th 1873.’
The other is inscribed: ‘Given by her to Myra Exeter March 14th 1905.’
Myra, the wife of William, 5th Marquess of Exeter (1876-1956), her grand daughter-in-law, had recently given birth to a son and heir, David, Lord Burghley.
