Rare Rock Crystal Amulet Locket
From the Journal
The Secret Language of Antique Jewellery: A Guide to Symbols
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A rare silver and rock crystal amulet locket, German, late 17th century, made to carry 'crab's eyes'.Crab's eyes were not eyes at all but small round stones from freshwater crayfish. In early modern Europe they were a prized remedy, ground into medicine and carried as amulets to protect against illness and harm. Lockets like this let the owner keep them close, visible behind crystal.Closed, the locket is a faceted octagon of rock crystal. It opens on a hinge to reveal two hollow hemispherical compartments, separated by a flat piece that held the contents secure. The silver frame is engraved with a zigzag pattern between the stones, and the claws that grip the crystal have neat, symmetrical texture lines.It hangs on a later Italian silver chain.A rare survival of everyday belief, and a remarkable object to wear.Details: Late 17th century; probably Germany; silver; rock crystal; closed 3.3 × 1.8 cm, open 5.9 cm tall; chain 42 cm (later, Italian, 925); 16.4g.
A rare silver and rock crystal amulet locket, German, late 17th century, made to carry 'crab's eyes'.
Crab's eyes were not eyes at all but small round stones from freshwater crayfish. In early modern Europe they were a prized remedy, ground into medicine and carried as amulets to protect against illness and harm. Lockets like this let the owner keep them close, visible behind crystal.
Closed, the locket is a faceted octagon of rock crystal. It opens on a hinge to reveal two hollow hemispherical compartments, separated by a flat piece that held the contents secure. The silver frame is engraved with a zigzag pattern between the stones, and the claws that grip the crystal have neat, symmetrical texture lines.
It hangs on a later Italian silver chain.
A rare survival of everyday belief, and a remarkable object to wear.
Details: Late 17th century; probably Germany; silver; rock crystal; closed 3.3 × 1.8 cm, open 5.9 cm tall; chain 42 cm (later, Italian, 925); 16.4g.
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