Enamel and diamond lapel pin, circa 1905

Designed as the cypher of King Edward VII, applied with polychrome enamel, accented with rose diamonds.

Commissioned by King Edward VII.

Enamel in good condition, with some pits and abrasions. Diamonds bright and lively. Some abrasions and tarnish to metal consistent with age and wear. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A royal cypher is a monogram of a country's reigning sovereign and typically consists of the monarch's name and title interwoven and surmounted by a crown. This pin would have been worn during King Edward VII's reign from 1901 to 1910.

When Queen Victoria died on 22 January 1901, Prince Edward became King of the United Kingdom, Emperor of India and King of the British Dominions. He chose to reign under the name Edward VII, instead of Albert Edward the name his mother had intended for him to use, in deferance to his father, declaring that he did not wish to "undervalue the name of Albert" and diminish the status of his father with whom the "name should stand alone".

Edward was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 9^th August 1902 by Archbishop of Canterbury, Frederick Temple. The coronation had originally been scheduled for 26^th June, but was delayed untill August when Edward was diagnosed with a burst ulcer. Edward refurbished the royal palaces, reintroducing  the traditional ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament, that his mother had forgone, and founded new orders of honours, such as the Order of Merit, to recognise contributions to the arts and sciences.