Abraham der Kinderen facts for kids
Abraham der Kinderen was a very skilled goldsmith who lived in London a long time ago, between about 1600 and 1620. He was famous for making and selling beautiful jewels to important people, especially the royal family!
He was part of the Dutch Church in London, and people sometimes called him a "merchant stranger" because he was a merchant from another country. His wife, Lucretia, was English, and in 1617, they lived in a street called Aldgate with their two children.
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Supplying Jewels to Royalty
Abraham der Kinderen was a trusted jeweler for the royal family. He created many special pieces for them.
Gifts from the King
In May 1607, he made a very expensive ring, worth about £2000 (which was a huge amount of money back then!). This ring was a gift from King James to Prince Joinville, who was visiting England. Prince Joinville was the brother of another important person, the Duke of Guise.
New Year's Presents
In January 1608, Abraham der Kinderen, along with other jewelers like Humphrey Fludd, provided many jewels and pearls. These were used as special New Year's gifts by members of the royal family, including Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen, and her children, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Charles.
Jewels for Important Journeys
In 1605, a nobleman named Lord Hertford bought jewels from Abraham der Kinderen and other jewelers like John Spilman, Abraham Harderet, and Peter Vanlore. Lord Hertford needed these jewels for a special trip he was making to Brussels as an ambassador.
Arbella Stuart and the Pearls
Abraham der Kinderen also had a connection with Arbella Stuart, who was a cousin of King James.
The Wedding That Wasn't
In 1613, Arbella Stuart was hoping to attend the wedding of Princess Elizabeth. She bought beautiful pearls and a gown embroidered with pearls from Abraham der Kinderen, planning to wear them to the event. However, she was not invited to the wedding.
Selling the Jewels
A few months later, because she needed money, Arbella had to sell or pawn most of the pearls she had bought. After her death, Abraham der Kinderen asked for the pearl-embroidered gown to be returned to him.
