Rediscovered 400-Year-Old Mourning Pendant Valued at £650,000 Set for Public Exhibition

**TL;DR**: A 400-year-old mourning pendant, depicted in a significant 17th-century painting, has been rediscovered and appraised at £650,000. This rare piece offers new insights into a renowned work of art and the historical context of grief.

For centuries, a poignant 17th-century mourning pendant remained largely unrecognized, despite its detailed depiction in John Souch's 1635 masterpiece, "Sir Thomas Aston at the Deathbed of His Wife." This heart-shaped jewel, worn by Sir Thomas Aston in the painting, commemorates the loss of his six-year-old son, Robert, in 1634. The pendant, incorporating a tassel of the child's blond hair, held deeply personal significance.

The painting itself captures a scene of profound grief, showing Sir Thomas Aston beside the deathbed of his wife, Magdalen, who had died in childbirth. Their surviving son points to the inscription "Grief is immeasurable." The Aston family faced multiple tragedies, including the deaths of young Thomas, Robert, Elizabeth, and Jane. The pendant’s Latin inscriptions, translated as "Your Robert died 4 May 1634 … In whom was our delight, through whom was our consolation, with whom the hope of his parents first perished," were previously unreadable from the artwork alone.

Recent appraisal has valued the pendant at £650,000. This valuation reflects its exceptional rarity and historical significance, as 17th-century jewelry is notoriously scarce. Historian and specialist dealer Martyn Downer confirmed the pendant remains in wonderful condition. He noted that its recovery helps answer questions about the symbolic painting, which scholars have studied for years. Downer also connected the era's experience of loss to Shakespeare's grief over his son Hamnet, highlighting the pendant's emotional weight.

The rediscovered jewel remained with the Aston family until 1862 and was acquired by its current owners 30 years ago. Its significance was realized only after they recognized their possession in an exhibition featuring Souch's painting. This discovery allows for a deeper understanding of both the object and the artwork.

Martyn Downer will unveil the mourning pendant to the public at the Treasure House Fair. This event takes place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea from June 24 to June 30, offering a rare opportunity to view this historical artifact.