How Sir Christopher Blount Got Rid of His Wife's Jewels

After the death of her first husband, the Countess of Leicester married Sir Christopher Blount and he sold her precious jewels to other nobles including the Earl of Essex and the Countess of Northumberland. The collection of gem stones included pearl chai

The Earl of Leicester in his will recites, "the token I do bequeath unto her majesty is the jewell with three fair emeralds, with a fair large table diamond in the midst, without a soil, and set about with many diamonds without soil, and a rope of fair white pearls to the number of six hundred to hang the said jewel, all which pearl and jewel were once purposed for her majesty against her coming to Wansted, but it must now thus be disposed."

The last few words have in them something affecting, as showing amidst so much that was deceptive and artificial in the relations of the earl with his royal mistress, a feeling of loyal attachment; yet the selfish queen had his personal effects sold by public auction to liquidate his debts to her.

The Countess of Leicester (Letitia Knollys) was afterwards married to Sir Christopher Blount. She had the reputation of being rich in jewels, and how Blount got rid of them is shown in the Harleian MSS. Among these is the following curious account:--

"The first year Sir Christopher Blount was married he sold many great jewels, and has continued the same course almost every year since. Three years past were sold to the Earl of Essex, against a great chain of pearl, a fair table-diamond, and a pointed ruby, for which he received pound 3000. The Countess of Northumberland bought two pendant pearls. At my lady's being last in London were sold two fair collars and other jewels, pearls, and precious stones."

Following the example of their jewel-loving monarch, the ladies of the court loaded their persons with precious stones, which were profusely displayed on the bodices and skirts of brocade gowns, and vanity soon discovered that the farthingale, the stiff whalebone framework under the upper skirt, formed an excellent show-case for family jewels.


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