When retired cavalry officer Philip Astley's old London circus ring burned down in 1794, he replaced it with another. Which burned down in 1803. So, he built the hippodrome - a venue where the working class might see big cats as part of lavish circus shows.

Here a turquoise panther is elaborately patterned and painted with bright enamels. Vintage design by Laurel Burch. 24k gold over sterling silver. Hoop backs for pierced ears. Size: 1 1/2 inches.