sold
QUEEN ANNE- GEORGE I STUART CRYSTAL CYPHER ON HAIR ROCK CRYSTAL/QUARTZ SILVER EARRINGS MOURNING/MEMORIAL
£790.00
Stuart Crystals were made between 1650 and 1730. initially, as the name suggests, they were made in support of the exiled Charles Stuart, eventually restored to the throne as Charles II. Simply cut rock crystal panels were set in closed back pinched collets, displaying the king’s cipher and also locks of hair. The fashion continued until 1730, with people setting their own or a loved ones ‘cipher’ on typically a piece of fabric. These examples are very unusual: already rare, Stuart Crystal items containing hair are extremely so.
There is some natural deterioration to the cipher itself, but it is still plain to read the initials as JG . Overall Condition is, however , excellent for their extreme age. That such small jewels survive at all is astonishing, but there is no damage, or repairs, the Pinched collets are all tight and undisturbed. With a loupe age commensurate wear to the facet edges is apparent, but really does require a magnified examination to see. The stones catch the light beautifully, and create intense sparkle. They’re beautiful and easy to wear. The silver loops are brand new and newly fitted.
DETAILS
Dimensions: DROP:- 2.3cm
            STUART CRYSTAL:-
            Height:- 1cm
            Width:- 1.1cm
            Depth:- 8mm
Materials: ROCK CRYSTAL/QUARTZ
          STERLING SILVER
          A LOVED ONE’S HAIR
Origin: UNITED KINGDOM
Era: LATE 17th- EARLY 18th CENTURY
     QUEEN ANNE – GEORGE I
Original: YES
Handmade: YES