Antique 17th C 18K Gold Stuart Rock Crystal Mourning Brooch Pre Georgian Hair

A rare museum quality genuine 17th century Charles II 18K gold Stuart crystal mourning or remembrance brooch dating to circa 1680.

'Stuart crystal' is a type of mourning or protest jewelry that originated after the execution of Charles I (from The House of Stuart) in 1649 and continued into the 18th century. The use of initials on rings, slides and brooches is an important piece of social history as it was the first time people showed outwards signs of affection in public by using fashion jewelry.
This wonderful early example is a must for any collector of early mourning jewelry! It can be dated by its oval shape and high domed rock crystal face to around 1680, the shape becoming squarer as the 1700s arrived. In order to make the rock crystal catch attention like a diamond in candlelight it has been cut into multiple triangular facets which glitter and sparkle from all directions. Underneath extremely tightly woven blond hair has been used with beautiful twisting rich gold thread (signifying eternity) looping around in a frame and also spelling the scrolling initials 'MH'. The dyed blue hair border represents royal blood; the departed loved one was regarded as 'royalty' by the wearer. The frame has been tested as solid 18K yellow gold with a lovely undulating wave pattern around the edge. As was very common, the brooch would have started life as a ribbon slide with the addition of a rose gold pin added at a later date.

The brooch measures approximately 21mm x 18mm. The total weight is about 4 grams.

The brooch is in excellent condition with very minor general wear including some scratching to the crystal and a little fading to the blue dye. The hair and gold thread are in excellent condition-please note the darkness in the center of the pictures is purely a reflective shadow from the domed rock crystal. The pin closes securely.

Most of the items we sell are antique, vintage or used. You should expect signs of wear consistent with age. Please regard all pictures carefully and ask us any questions. Measurements, if provided in our descriptions, are close approximations.