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Gem - 6 Sections

Gem 6 section needle 
case
Needle Case with original presentation box (photographs courtesy of Francois Duchamp)


Patent

Design Details

Needle Case Type:

Accordion

Patent/Registered to:

James William Lewis, Die-sinker from Birmingham and George Archbold, Rouge Manufacturer from Handsworth

Patent/Design Representation #:

Mechanical Patent: #603

Patent/Design Registration Date:

March 4, 1867

Location of Patent/Design Registration:

British Library - Business and Intellectual Property Centre – London

Reference #:

1867-603

Dimensions:

2.6 x 4.6

Material:

Brass

Name Variations:

a) Perry &. Co - London
b) Unmarked (the sole source of this information is Horowitz and Mann as no example of this needle case with this company name has been seen by the authors of this website)

Other Variations:

Beatrice - 4 Sections
Beatrice - 6 Sections
Beatrice - Sharpe version
Gem with - 4 Sections

Additional Photographs

Detail with presentation box and end cap with "The Gem" name

End cap with "Patent Perry & Co London" name and end cap with "The Gem" name

Facts

Gems or gemstones are crystalized mineral or fossilized material that can be cut and polished for use in jewelry or as embellishment on luxury objects.  Since their value is based on rarity all gemstones can be divided into two categories; the diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald are known as precious stones whereas all others are considered semi-precious.  Gems come in many different shapes and sizes and are usually multi-faceted which enhances their beauty by reflecting light to make them literally sparkle.

 facts

History

 history

St. Edward's Crown

Gemstones have been around for centuries and were often placed on objects created for rulers and royalty.  It wasn’t until late 15th century that a special cutting-wheel was invented enabling gems to be cut into intricate geometrically faceted patterns, enhancing the light coming from within the stone.  Some of the best know gemstones are found on the Crown Jewels of the British Monarchy.  For example the St. Edward’s Crown pictured above, which was used to coronate many British Kings and Queens since 1661, is made of solid gold and contains 444 precious stones.  In addition over 1,187 elaborately cut diamonds adorn Queen Victoria's small crown shown below.  This crown was specially designed for Queen Victoria to wear on top of her veil while mourning the loss of her husband Prince Albert.

 history

Queen Victoria's Crrown

Miscellaneous

 history

During the 19th century both sentimentality and symbolism were important elements of design.  Jewelry with gemstones often contained hidden meanings, the design representing the feelings or hopes of the giver.  For example rings, bracelets or brooches where designed in such a way that the first letter of each gemstone spelled a word of friendship or special significance.  The ring above and the brooch below are set with a (R)uby, (E)merald, (G)arnet, (A)methyst, (R)uby and (D)iamond spelling out the message "REGARD".  This word forms part of the phrase “with my REGARDs” or “I highly REGARD you,” which in the Victorian period meant the person who gave it held the person receiving it very close to their heart.

 misc