Ríkarður was born in the Icelandic east coast village of Djúpivogur.
The main difference, however, between the 1918 and 1944 conception is one of content: the removal of the crown of the King of Denmark that sat on top of Ríkarður Jónsson's design.
However he was also one of Iceland's primary portraitists during that time, creating numerous busts and bas-reliefs of his fellow countrymen and women.
Many of these works can be found in the graveyards of Iceland, particularly in Reykjavík's Hólavallagarður Cemetery.
In 1955 Ríkarður carved the Icelandic birch gavel and striking board used at the United Nations.