A wonderful Stuart crystal ring, created in gold and silver. The octagonal (12mm) Stuart is mounted lozenge-wise (diagonally) on the gold bifurcated shank, joining at the shoulder with beaded decoration. The closed-back mounted clear crystal is in a rub-over collet setting in silver over a rosy-pink foil, fine gold wire cyphers within a surround are mounted over a love token of dark woven hair/fabric, all visible between the foil and the stepped, Asscher-type cut crystal stone. The gold and silver ring is in lovely condition and is quite wearable. It measures 6 - 6.5 on a grooved mandrel. A rare commemorative of Charles I of England, who died in 1649, these Stuart crystal pieces were only created in England and are highly prized.

*Stuart crystals have fascinated lovers of antique jewelry for many years, and for good reason. These beautiful gems were initially created in 1649, when King Charles I, the martyred King of England, was executed under Cromwell’s rule. People loyal to the Stuart monarchy (Royalists) wished to memorialize their lost King, to show their support and sympathy, by wearing slides, pendants, rings, earrings or cufflinks with his initials, crowns, or a likeness of the fallen King, set in gold or silver under a crystal. Thus, they became known as Stuart crystals, as they were commemorative of King Charles I, of the House of Stuart. Royalists opposed Charles I’s execution, believing that he was God’s chosen leader, and feeling that his death was not justice, but murder.

Click HERE to view a brief video of this piece.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~