18th c Stuart Crystal Ring in Gold and Silver

I have long been searching for a Stuart crystal, and finally have found one! These lovely pieces first appeared in 1649 when Charles I, the martyred King of England, was executed.

In show of their support, often in secret, Stuart Royalists began to wear jewelry of faceted rock crystal over locks of his hair, initials in gold wire, or his image, hence the name "Stuart crystal."

With this as its origin, the Stuart crystal soon evolved into a more popular form of sentimental and memento mori jewelry. 

This Stuart crystal is set in solid silver and was originally a button, converted to a ring on a 14k gold band.

It is foil backed with a cypher of initials in fine gold wire which sits on top of what looks to be either a square of woven hair or a piece of dark colored cloth. I am uncertain what the initials are. It likely dates from around the beginning of the 18th century and is in fantastic condition considering its age.

The ring band, which was a later addition, features an inscription with the date January 22, 1835, a stamped mark "CN" and inscribed initials that may be CLN, as well as a few other inscribed letters I cannot make out.

I am happy to include the ring box shown in the photos, or message me if you would like to choose your own from a small selection.