A wonderful pair of Stuart crystal earrings in silver and gold. The octagonal Stuart crystals are set on the diagonal (lozenge design) with rosy-pink foils and love tokens (woven fabric/hair) under the swirling gold cyphers. The crystals measure 11mm point to point; the earrings measure one inch overall. These stepped, Asscher-type cut crystal stones are closed-set in silver bezels over the rosy-pink foils, love tokens, and scrolled gold cyphers, which are visible under the crystal. These earrings have gold, graceful shepherd’s crook earwires, which go into the front of the ear. 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.

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Price: $1850

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