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
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say
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
A 25% deposit will be 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, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are 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.
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of each page.
alex@lostowl.jewelry
An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 2-3 weeks to shipping times
Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
*shopping cart, not the checkout