During his career, Bill Skinner has worked with companies such as Van Cleef and Arpels, Garrards and Asprey. Since the 1980s he has worked in costume jewellery creating pieces for clients such as Butler and Wilson, Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith.
For this range of jewellery he immersed himself in the Stuart and Tudor periods – which is why I love his Lidded Queen Ring so much.
Queen Elizabeth I was fond of giving images of herself away. These were presented to courtiers at New Year, and the receiver had an opportunity of expressing loyalty and devotion to the Queen by wearing her image. Interior inscription reads: ‘Pour Vous Seule’ – For you only.
This ring was designed by Bill Skinner exclusively for the V & A. You can buy it here. Bill Skinner’s website is here. They come in three sizes – Small, Medium and Large. I have tiny fingers and the small fits on my ring finger and large on my index finger (which is where I wear it, as in the picture above)
