DATE: 17th Century, c.1694
An incredible 17th century memorial pendant dedicated to Queen Mary II who reigned over England, Scotland, and Ireland with her husband William (III & II) from 1689 until her untimely death in 1694. The daughter of James, Duke of York, Mary was raised under the Anglican faith alongside her sister Anne, at the behest of their uncle Charles II - their parents having converted to Roman Catholicism. She took the throne shortly after the Glorious Revolution and the adoption of the English Bill of Rights. She quickly proved herself as a powerful, firm, and effective ruler, right up to her death - from smallpox - aged only 32.
This pendant features a wonderfully intricate miniature portrait of Queen Mary with her royal monogram and a skull situated behind her right shoulder. It would have been worn by a devout monarchist in a display of allegiance to the crown, or possibly even a close friend or relative... certainly somebody of high status. The painting is protected by a thin rock crystal panel cut with faceted edges (known as a Stuart Crystal), that sits in a cut down "pie crust" setting. Crafted in 18 karat gold throughout.
STONES
Rock Crystal
MEASUREMENTS
2.6 x 1.8cm
WEIGHT
5.4g
MARKS
No marks present, tests as 18k gold
CONDITION
Very good, bail potentially a later addition
