Antique Pendant Cross Gold Silver Diamonds Georgian - Victorian Flemish (7417)

Antique Georgian - early Victorian pendant cross. Gold, silver, diamonds. Made in Europe - Most likely Belgium late 18th to early 19th century. Independently appraised. Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman.

Measurements: Weight is 13.70 grams. 3 1/8 inches (8cm) long.

Description : Pendant cross. Known as a Flemish Cross for the Dutch-speaking region in Belgium whence such shapes originated. The cross consists of a fairly large, openwork surmount in circular, flower form. A few gold links connect surmount to cross drop. The drop is composed of the same openwork with diamonds set in pulled up, ridged colettes. The center of the cross with largest diamond, surrounded by a ring and then a square of scrolling metal and diamond work. The terminals/transcepts of the cross are in gold. The links allow the cross to swing and sway freely. A large bale (loop) allows the cross to be suspended by a chain of almost any size.

As was the custom at the time, diamonds were set in silver, which was mounted over gold. Silver shows diamonds off to better advantage in candle light. Gold prevents silver tarnish from leaving black marks on clothes and skin. Due to the early cut of the diamonds, our appraiser found it difficult to gage exact carat weight (see appraisal).
Also typical of the period, diamonds are set with closed backs.
Quality and care of the workmanship can be seen by the beautiful, warm, golden backs.

Marks and Metal: Hallmarks on the side terminals of the cross as well as one of the loops connecting surmount to cross drop.
Gold was electronically and acid tested as 14k.

Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

THE STORY: The most fundamental part of any woman in Christian Europe's jewelry box was her pendant cross. We can see many paintings of such crosses worn at the throat, or dangling from long chains. This was both a statement of wealth as well as of piety. The larger and more elaborate the cross, the wealthier the woman - typical status symbol. We have read that such crosses were largely bought back by the Church, but have not seen any evidence of this.
With the gender fluidity of jewelry fashions today, this cross is suitable for a man or a woman. Versatile - it will work with any outfit.