Stuart crystal slide

A Stuart crystal mourning slide, circa 1680. The high carat gold slide contains a compartment with a weave of hair surmounted by two enamel cherubs holding a skull aloft, above the gold wire work initials FH. The compartment is in a gold and silver surround set with Columbian emeralds and rose-cut diamonds. The emeralds signified true love and the diamonds constancy. To reverse the engraved mount has the name of the deceased: Frances Hackett. The original slide fittings are intact and the pendant fitting is later. The slide measures 3/4 of an inch by 3/4 of an inch. A most unusual example with a Columbian emerald surround, which I have not seen before.

£3500
Item ref : 5557