This incredible 1600s Stuart crystal features two lovely depictions of cherubs grimly holding a skull. Beneath the skull are the initials “W B” weaved with gold thread atop finely woven hair. This memento mori is encased in a lovely faceted Stuart crystal dating to well over 300 years old. 
This was originally a slide and overtime someone accrued a collection of Stuart crystal slides and added them to an ornate gold necklace chain, as evidenced in the last photo in the gallery. Upon purchase, the slide will be removed from the necklace (it is not soldered and therefore is easily removed on and off with jewelry pliers), and if desired part of the gold chain can be left on so that you may use it to connect to a necklace and hang as a pendant—a stunning piece of history adorned on your neck. Please send us an email after purchase if you’d like a small part of the chain to be left on. 
Stuart Crystals are rock quartz crystals which were originally used to symbolize their allegiance or mourning after King Charles I’s execution in 1649. King Charles I was of the House of Stuart, hence the name Stuart Crystals. The first ones ever made featured his initials and/or portrait, and later on in the 17th century they were made with intricately woven hairs, memento mori dedications, and gold threaded cyphers. 
Materials: 22k gold.