Lovers and madmen have such seething brains, such shaping fantasies, that apprehend, more than cool reason ever comprehends.
William Shakespeare
vauxhall glass starburst pendant
An early nineteenth century Vauxhall glass pendant of starburst design, composed of faceted dark red, mirrored glass on brass backing with jump ring, starburst 1.75 in diameter, unmarked, circa 1830.
Vauxhall glass, or mirrored glass, notable for its highly reflective appearance and produced in an array of colors including black, red, silver, green, purple, and blue, was produced by the Vauxhall Glassworks from the mid-eighteenth century through the mid-nineteenth century. The Vauxhall Glassworks abutted the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens in London where jewelry was often sold as souvenirs to visitors. Later pieces may be easily identified as they were stamped on the reverse with English registry marks, earlier pieces lack such marking.