| The Three Brothers | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Three_Brothers_jewel_Basel.jpg) Miniature painting of the Three Brothers, commissioned by the city of Basel, c. 1500 | |
| Material | Spinels, pearls, diamond, gold |
| Weight | ~300 carats (60 g) total |
| Created | 1389 |
| Place | Paris, France |
| Present location | Unknown since 1645 |
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:The_Three_Brothers_detail.png)
The Three Brothers (also known as the Three Brethren; German: Drei Brüder; French: Les Trois Frères) was a piece of jewellery created in the late 14th century, which consisted of three rectangular red spinels arranged around a central diamond. The jewel is known for having been owned by a number of important historical figures. After its commission by Duke John the Fearless of Burgundy, the jewel was part of the Burgundian crown jewels for almost 100 years, before passing into the possession of German banker Jakob Fugger.
The Brothers were eventually sold to Edward VI and became part of the Crown Jewels of England from 1551 to 1643. They were worn prominently by Queen Elizabeth I and King James VI and I. In the early 1640s, Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I, attempted to sell the jewel to raise funds for the English Civil War, but it is unclear if she succeeded. Its whereabouts after 1645 remain unknown.[1]