Historic Stuart Crystal Cufflinks

Sets of Stuart Crystals are quite rare. Sometimes a close match is discovered but rarely do we see those that began life together. Stuart Crystals have a fascinating history. Born into fashion in 1649 after the beheading of Charles I, mementos of his person, life and the like were preserved under faceted rock crystal and worn, sometimes secretly, by loyalists. These mementos were quite significant in history.

As with any such objects, these were then shaped by fashion and style and were incorporated by the well-to-do to use as memorials to their own departed loved ones. Often filled with tiny mats of woven hair and gold wire ciphers, Stuart Crystals can be found dating from the mid 17th century to around the mid 18th century at the latest.

These are in a remarkable state and are still refractive and shimmering. The crystals are entirely faceted with more density on the edges; less so and coming to a facet point at the center. In the recesses of the interior is a foiled base with a tiny layer of woven hair. Atop this is a twisted gold wire encircling a cypher, perhaps the initials M or A; the rest is difficult to discern due to the intricate weaving style.

The crystals and their contents are set within the classic deeply engraved saw tooth bezel. This saw tooth edge is evident in a great many jewels throughout the later part of the 17th century. A slightly rounded convex back holds a center ring which this is then attached to an “S” ring.

Measuring 7/8 of an inch long (1 cm) by 3/8 of an inch wide (0.9 cm) for each crystal and with a depth of 3/16 of an inch (0.4 cm) or 5/16 of an inch (0.7 cm) including the back ring. The condition is very good with surface wear; mild scratching to the crystals visible with a loupe; both inner mementos are off center and one of the pair has shifted. Later “S” rings in rose gold form the cuff links. If you have not experienced the glint of Stuart Crystals, they are magic! These are superb examples dating to circa 1680 - 1720.