18th Century Stuart Crystal Skull Ring
This ring was made circa 1739 during the reign of George II who was, incidentally, the last British sovereign give battle alongside his soldiers (against the French, naturally). The genre of the ring is known as "Stuart Crystal" on account of the gemstone set into its head, and what's behind that gemstone.
Made popular a century earlier, under the rule of Charles I (of House Stuart), the 'Stuart Crystal' is a faceted rock crystal gemstone that's set over a scene: sometimes it's woven hairwork with initials, sometimes winged cherubs and hearts, but in this case it's a tiny, cartoonish skull. A death's head... a memento mori framed by a gold wire border. Gold lettering over black enamel around the rococo style band tells us that the ring was made to commemorate the life of Anne Speed who died on the 17th of September, 1739, aged 67.
It's crafted in 18 carat gold with fluted detaling behind the head, and it remains in remarkably good condition for its near-300 years.
Era: Georgian, circa 1739
Ring size: R 1/2 or 9 US. Resize not available
Head: 5.9mm by 6.8mm
Stone: Rock Crystal
Marks: None, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Good antique condition. Small areas of enamel loss. Something behind the crystal is causing a small patch iridescence when the light hits from certain angles
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
DHL Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Customs no longer charges a 10% tariff on antiques shipped from the UK. We will ensure that our parcels are correctly declared using the relevant HTS codes to qualify for the tariff exemption and zero-rated (0%) duties so you won't have any customs fees to pay at the border. You will remain liable for any handling/storage fees charged by DHL as a result of a delay in providing any additional customs information.
[Last updated: September 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 3-6 weeks to shipping times Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
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