Mastery of Design: The Townshend Amethyst, circa 1800

Amethyst Ring
1800-1864
From the Townshend Collection
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Part of a magnificent collection of 154 gems, this ring comes from the Townshend collection which was bequeathed to the V&A by Reverend Chauncey Hare Townshend.


The stone, set in gold sometime between 1800 and 1864, is considered one of the finest specimen of amethysts in the museum. Its deep color and perfect clarity are unrivaled.