In The Tudor Heart: Object in Focus, Rachel King chronicles the discovery and historical weight of a spectacular 24-carat gold pendant and chain linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon, and their daughter Mary. This masterfully crafted artifact, weighing over 0.3 kilograms and featuring a three-meter gold wire chain, serves as a rare material witness to the ambition and magnificence of the English court in the late 1510s. By examining its intricate enamelled motifs and luxurious construction, the book situates the pendant within a pivotal era of royal betrothals and dynastic identity, offering a deep dive into its craftsmanship and its role as a survivor of the pre-Holbein Tudor aesthetic.
