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Coronation ring
Collection:CSM Museum & Study Collection
Date: 2022
Artist: Grace Miell
Dimensions:
40 × 33 × 34 mm (4 × 3.3 × 3.4 cm)
Medium: Steel laughing gas canisters, cubic zirconia, imitation rubies
Object number: J.2023.329.CC
DescriptionDescription by the designer: The coronation ring as the title may suggest is a replica of The Sovereign’s ring which is placed on the fourth finger of the sovereign during the coronation. This ring however has a disgraceful twist as it is made from found laughing gas canisters. The ring is composed entirely out of steel with a central dome (end of canister) engraved to mimic a large, faceted stone. This is highlighted with imitation rubies in a cross formation (representing the cross of St. George) which reflect off the surface giving an alternative perspective to the underside of the stone, presenting the idea that there is more information to be seen than initially presented. 10 posts surround this central formation, which are made from the tip of the canister with cubic zirconia stones placed inside the opening (where the nitrous oxide gas would be expelled) this simulating a bezel setting used widely in jewellery. The two side posts extend around the ring band highlighting more of the laughing gas canisters original form, wrapping around the ring band and joining centrally at the “bottom” of the ring. The focus on sustainability in this piece contradicts the original newly made ring for each monarch which was not kept with the regalia but with the personal jewellery of the sovereign.