Christmas break: shipping resumes on 1/2

Stuart Crystal Pink Foil & Cipher Ring

$2,500

Sold!

"Stuart crystal" is what we call the jewelry made and worn by loyalists to the Stuart monarchy after the execution of King Charles I in 1649. Royalists memorialized the martyred king by wearing jewelry with his likeness, a lock of his hair, or his initials rendered in twisted gold wire. All of these were set under flat-topped faceted rock crystal (ergo "Stuart crystal"). This jewelry, though originally aligned with support of the monarchy, over time became more personal. Later examples featured the "cipher" (monogram in gold) or hair of the owner. These earrings are a beautiful example of that style: the faded hot-pink foiled backing has shattered into dots, and a gold wire cipher is set under rock crystal.

  • Materials

    22k gold (tests), rock crystal, pink foil, gold thread

  • Age

    c. 1700

  • Condition

    Very good - surface wear commensurate with age and use

  • Size

    7, can be slightly resized; 11.5mm head, 2.5mm shank

Need more photos?

Send us an email to request photos of this piece on a model.

Stuart

Aboutthe

StuartEra

16031714

please note:Terms of Sale

Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.