The Gatacre Jewel

This pendant has several alterations.The pearl drops are replacements and the enamelled plate at the back was removed and reinstated upside down at some stage. The cameo is likely to have been made in the Renaissance and the setting around 1550 to 1560, perhaps in England. The jewel belonged to the Gatacre family of Shropshire. It was known as the 'Fair Maid of Gatacre' after Mary (born 1509), daughter of Sir Robert Gatacre. According to family tradition, she was 'a great beauty both in face and character'.