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Rare Elizabeth I Amber Pendant Fetches Millions
2 Jul
Summary
- A heart-shaped amber pendant with Queen Elizabeth I's portrait is up for auction.
- It was previously sold for £5,588 in November 2025 and is now expected to reach £150,000.
- The pendant, possibly a royal gift, symbolizes sovereignty and virginity.
An exquisite amber pendant, dating from around 1600 and depicting Queen Elizabeth I, is poised for a remarkable sale at Sotheby's in July 2026. This intricately carved piece, featuring a cameo of the Queen on one side and a parrot on the other, was previously auctioned for £5,588 (approximately $7,350) in November 2025. The current auction expects to achieve between £100,000 and £150,000 (about $133,000 to $199,000).
The pendant's carving of Elizabeth I is thought to be based on a well-known engraving by Crispijn de Passe the Elder. The inscription 'Elisabet.D.G.Ang.Fran.Hib.Et.Vir.Regi.F.D' (Elizabeth by the Grace of God Queen of England, France, and Ireland) is also present. The extraordinary craftsmanship suggests it was made by Prussian artisans.
This artifact, originally from Poltalloch House in Scotland, came into the possession of the Malcolm family in the 19th century. Historians suggest the pendant may have been a personal gift from the Queen, with its heart shape symbolizing her dedication to England and the parrot representing her virginity. Amber itself was highly valued in the era for its perceived protective qualities and symbolic allure.
