MOD Medallion for Ffernfael

The original item: hat-ornament | British Museum 

"Oval medallion; gold; St George and Dragon; horse enameled lilac; body of saint formed of angular diamonds; dragon enameled pale green with emeralds set in wings and head; background chased with trees and buildings; raised border with cross-hatching in black enamel; five enameled groups of fruit; five rubies in square settings; four attachment loops."

My first exposure to this piece was in "Diamond Cuts in Historic Jewellery 1381-1910", by Herbert Tillander. I was obsessed with the use of irregular diamond rose cuts to create a mosaic, almost sculptural design. I knew that I had to take this concept and play with it, and Peerage medallions seemed like the perfect application.

So when then-THL Ffernfael of Carleon approached me and asked me to be the one to make his elevation regalia, I knew it was the perfect opportunity.

Of course, the original medallion was far too complex either for my skill level or the time I had to complete this project. However, I was successful at bringing over the key elements of the original: Rose cut stones to form the shapes, sculptural metal elements enhanced by the stones, and good contrast of the design and from the background.

I made substitutions, of course. This piece is sterling silver for the swords, settings, and border. The background is jeweler's brass instead of gold, and the gemstones are white cubic zirconia. 

Perhaps another day I will do a more thorough recreation attempt, but that will require learning at least three more fields of skill (carving, enameling, and stone setting). I'd also love to use more stones to make the entire representation instead of just one large stone each. 

In the meantime though, I'm thrilled with both how this medallion came out, and at the opportunity to make something like this for a dear friend.