17th Century Stuart Crystal "NO RIVALS" 18-22K Gold Slide
This fabulous 17th Century Stuart Crystal slide is just out of this world!
The subject is beyond divine, with a couple embracing and two cupids coming together with outstretched arms. Oh, our hearts melt! And "NO RIVALS" in lovely enamelled script, what sweet delight! We do wonder if those cupids previously had different ideas as to this romance? But as you see, it all ended well and in love.
This is a rare piece of English Stuart jewellery, dating from 1650-1680. We have seen some Stuart Crystal slides and this one is one of the most interesting, featuring this lovely, romantic subject.
There are so many beautiful details that need to be mentioned that we don't know where to start. The slide is made of 18-22 karat yellow, rich, buttery gold with typical for the period crimped, pie crust setting and a rounded, convex shaped back. The centre piece has a background of dark blond, super finely woven hair, with vibrant coloured enamelled subjects and lettering atop. The are glowing, gold wired ciphered initials "S" and "L". Gorgeous, scalloped, shell shaped semi circles are framing this stunning picture underneath faceted rock crystal cover.
The finest of early enamels in white, red, dark blue and gold are beautifully executed - you can distinguish the detail and even the expressions on the lover's and cupid's faces, their hair is painted in gold. The initials show the finest, detailed, crisp rope work, we do not know who they were, mystery they shall remain. All of the decorations are raised over the perfect hair work and appears more like sculpture than a painting, standing out in 3-D, making all the fine details more life-like and pronounced. All that beauty is crowned by the most beautifully faceted Stuart Crystal, see how it is pointed ever so slightly?! This really is the Stuart jewellery at its best.
There are no hallmarks but the slide is typical of the mid to late 17th century and it is made of 18-22 karat gold (professionally tested).
It measures 19.96 by 22.26 mm and weighs 6 grams. There are a couple of old repairs to the slider fastening at the back, thoroughly secure and very well done. At the front, there is a wee darkened section to the right, barely visible as it is on the very edge, covered by the facets of the rock crystal top. As this fabulous piece is close to being 400 years old we are delighted it survived in such a great antique condition.
This Stuart slide is the perfect addition to one's collection of early jewellery but can be worn and enjoyed too. It looks fantastic on a beautiful velvet ribbon, selection of which and the different looks they make are shown in our photos. We are happy to include the one you love, unless of course you would like them all! :)
We adore ..... this gorgeous early piece of history and art, the slide is beyond amazing! It is an absolute beauty and was most likely a betrothal or wedding gift. Just imagine misty old England in the 17th century, that slide a beautiful and special gift and the look of love in the their eyes.....
* Please kindly note that other jewellery in our photos is for your inspiration and not included in this listing *
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