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The story of the jewel is told in a new book by the author and fine art expert Martyn Downer (picture), former Sotheby’s auctioneer and specialist in Nelsoniana – the much sought-after relics of Britain’s naval hero. In his relentless searching for items of value for Sotheby’s, Martyn had found a treasure trove of such relics, at the home of descendants of the Admiral’s close friend Alexander Davison. In a red morocco leather case were letters and artefacts once Nelson’s – and, most extraordinary, a silken purse full of golden guineas, on the Admiral’s person when he fell at Trafalgar, marked with blood from the battle. That led to Martyn’s extraordinary book, ‘Nelson’s Purse’ – and now to a new work no less fascinating, ‘Nelson’s Lost Jewel’. Along with the book, comes the new Chelengk – reborn at the hands of a master craftsman.