{"product_id":"ionian-islands-ring-c-1815","title":"Ionian Islands Ring c.1815","description":"\u003cp\u003eRare historic emblematic 18 carat gold ring with tiny medallions representing the seven Greek Ionian Islands. c.1815.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples can be found in the British Museum and V and A collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery fine condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize 8.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.5 grams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJewellery depicting the symbols of the Ionian Islands, a British Protectorate, was shown at the Great Exhibition of 1851, lent by Englishmen who had served there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ionian Islands had been under British protection since the Treaty of Paris in 1815, but from around 1830, after Greek independence, they began to press for union with Greece. A burgeoning attempt at independence in 1850 was suppressed with a brutality which prompted Parliamentary discussion. The islands were finally ceded to Greece in 1862.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seven islands and their symbols were listed by the Illustrated London News in 1851 :\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIthaca with Ulysses and his dog Argos\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSanta Maura ( Lefkada) with a lyre, as the death-place of Sappho\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCephalonia with Cephalus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorfu with arms and emblems,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZante (Zakynthos) with a tripod,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCerigo (Kythira) with Venus emerging from a shell (the island was her supposed birthplace),\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaxos with a trident, as sacred to Neptune.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sian Harlowe Antique Jewellery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64080264888669,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1028\/1205\/7949\/files\/1a1877_03f06642886149acb18e43a3cbde388d_mv2.avif?v=1775214221","url":"https:\/\/sianharloweantiques.co.uk\/products\/ionian-islands-ring-c-1815","provider":"Sian Harlowe  Antique Jewellery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}