Antique cross pendant knot diamonds French regional Normandy 1800-1810

Antique cross pendant knot diamonds French regional Normandy 1800-1810.



Cross, silver on gold four rings, 8 rose cut diamonds in bezel setting. The lower part in pear shaped of the cross is articulated to the rest of the pattern. The cross pendant is hinged to an elegant motif in the shape of a knot. The element of the top, reminding the center pattern is set with a fixed bail. The sentimental value is very strong in this jewel often transmitted from mother to daughter through generations for special events.

The elegant knot shaped pattern is inspired by the knots of the "joaillerie" that began to adorn ladies' corsets of the nobility under Louis XIII and Louis XIV.

No other emblem of the 18th and 19th century was more iconic than the cross. It managed to be, at the same time, both a symbol of faith and a fashion statement. It flashed in diamonds upon the décolletés of wealthy people in cities all over France, but its daily presence glowing at the throats of devout women of the regional provinces was at least as powerful. Shining equally brilliantly in churches, and ballrooms, the emblematic force of the cross as a spiritual symbol and a beautiful adornment has never ceased to mesmerize.

In our days, French regional crosses are very scarce compared to the variety that existed in the old days. Most of these crosses are now kept in museums or in private collections.

Object Group : pendants
Country of Origin : Most probably France, Normandy
Style : Victorian
Period : 1800-1810
Theme : Latin cross - There exist several types of crosses, and the one this pendant represents is a Latin cross on which, according to Augustinus, Christ was crucified.
Material : 18k yellow gold and silver, see also: The silver on gold technique
Technique : Silver on gold. This technique finds its origin centuries ago, when jewelers believed that only a silver mounting could render the true beauty of a diamond. Backing the silver jewel with a (thin) layer of gold was a practical precaution taken to avoid the silver jewelry leaving black stains on clothing or skin. Over the years, with the recognition (and thus use) of platinum as precious metal and the development of white gold the practical necessity to use bi-colored material became obsolete. The argument to use bi-colored metals became more an estetic then a practical one.
Extra Info: The rose cuts were originally set on foil. This is a special technique that was used to bring the lustre of the diamonds to its best quality.
Diamonds : Eighteen rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.
Weight : 9.80 gram (6.30 dwt)
Hallmarks : No trace
Condition : Excellent condition - (click here for our condition scale)
Size : Height is approximately 5.83 cm (2.30 inch), width approx. 3.09 cm (1.22 inch)


When refering to this piece : Mention the following number: 04257-4086 or click here.


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Crosses
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