National Museums Scotland buys Fettercairn Jewel

The Fettercairn Jewel has been described as a rare and outstanding piece of Scottish Renaissance jewellery. Now the 16th Century Scottish jewel has been bought at auction at Sotheby’s by National Museums Scotland (NMS) for more than £200,000 and its future in Scotland has been secured. David Forsyth, principal curator of the Scottish history and archaeology department at National Museums Scotland said: "The purchase of this piece will significantly enhance the national collections and present new insights into the magnificence of the Renaissance in Scotland."

The jewel was one of some 400 items from Fettercairn House that was put on sale at the auction. The oval-shaped gold and enamel locket pendant is made up of a faceted jacinth stone, which was believed to protect its wearer from both lightning and the plague. Worn on a chain, it would possibly have had a pearl or precious stone dangling beneath it. NMS are going to look into possible links between the Jewel and the Scottish royal court, including the Darnley Jewel, now in the Royal Collection, which was commissioned at some time between 1564 and 1571.