λ A rare Williamite ivory miniature ring, 18th century, centring on a glazed compartment containing

λ A rare Williamite ivory miniature ring, 18th century, centring on a glazed compartment containing an oval ivory miniature of the laureated King William III (William of Orange), within a border of rose-cut diamonds, the reverse inscribed '1690 Juli 1st', to a tapering gold band, size M1/2, one diamond replaced with a simulant, later case

This date on this rare portrait miniature ring commemorates the decisive victory of William III of Orange against the Jacobite forces in Ireland, fought across the Boyne river on 1st July 1690, near the town of Drogheda in the modern day Republic of Ireland. Known as the 'Battle of the Boyne', this marked a turning point in William's struggles against the Catholic King James II of England and VII of Scotland, who had been deposed in the 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688 in favour of a joint monarchy shared between the Protestants Mary II and William III.