Ring Thomas Cromwell tourmaline 22K gold

The Frick Collection x Donna Distefano

Cromwell Ring

This distinctive ring is based on that worn by Thomas Cromwell in Hans Holbein the Younger's celebrated portrait, painted around 1532–3. Holbein was a painter and master of many arts, including jewelry design, and his detailed renderings of the jewelry worn by his sitters display this skill.  

Cromwell rose from a working-class background to become one of the most powerful administrators in the court of Henry VIII. Using the common device of a folded letter, Holbein informs us of Cromwell’s current position in this portrait as Master of the Jewel House.

Recreated in 22-karat gold and a custom-cut cabochon of green tourmaline, the ring closely follows the weight and design of its painted counterpart.

Cast from a fabricated model and hand-finished, the Cromwell Ring brings one of Holbein's most compelling painted portraits off the canvas as a wearable piece of art.

Metal: Responsibly sourced 22-karat gold 

Primary Stone: Green Tourmaline

Method: Classical goldsmithing

Technical Specs: 22-karat yellow gold, cabochon green tourmaline.

Also available in Silver with Green Tourmaline

Private appointments available

Off the Canvas

About the Collection

Off the Canvas is an exclusive fine jewelry collection designed and handcrafted by master goldsmith Donna Distefano in collaboration with The Frick Collection. Inspired by the Old Master paintings in the Frick's collection, the jewelry translates these remarkable works from paint into wearable works of art.

Drawing upon centuries-old goldsmithing traditions and her extensive knowledge of historical metalsmithing techniques, Distefano combines meticulous research with exceptional craftsmanship to recreate jewelry closely associated with objects depicted in the Frick's collections. Each piece is individually handcrafted in Distefano's atelier in New York City, reflecting the artistry, materiality, and attention to detail of the originals.