At the end of 2017, I received a very unusual and therefore all the more exciting order from a private customer in Bonn. She wanted a copy of the so-called “Ring of Matthias de Medici” that was as true to the original as possible.
Matthew de Medici was the third son of the famous Cosimo II de Medici of Florence and the Maria Magdalena of Austria. His older brother Ferdinando II and later successor Cosimos made him governor of Siena.
The original of the ring is based on a painting by Matthias de Medici Carlo Dolci pictured, which is kept in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
My client wanted a real gold version as only silver and gold plated versions of this ring are available in stores. I worked the replica of this ring in 750 fine gold and fitted it with a matching almandine, which I bought from the really excellent one Gem cutter Harald Heinrich from Overath had it made.
In the end, a visibly satisfied customer was happy about the punctual delivery of her Christmas present.