Antique diamond cross pendant table cut diamonds 18th century jewelry

Antique Flemish cross set with table cut diamonds and rose cut diamond in close setting, stylized leaves motives, cross pendant with bail crafted circa 1790 most probably from Belgium in excellent condition. The rose cuts are set on foil, this is a special technique that was used to bring the luster of the diamonds to its best quality.

This jewel is a fine example of the skill and craftsmanship of jewelers in Antwerp in the 18th and 19th century. The city is well known for centuries for its wealth which resulted in sumptuous jewels set with diamonds. The influence of religion was very present in those days, the refinement, the materials and the stones reinforced this sign of devotion. This type of cross was worn a long silver chain and was a very expensive gift worn by pretty women in the north of Belgium in the first half of the 19th century.

Most of these crosses are now owned by the church or in private collections.

Antique jewelry object group: pendants

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin.

Style: Georgian
(more info on styles)

Period: ca. 1790
(events and facts in 1790)

Source of inspiration: Christianity

Theme: Cross

Material: Silver on top and backed with 18K red gold (see explanation on silver on gold).
(more info on precious metals)

Technique: Gold-backed silver or the silver on gold technique. 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 information: The rose cuts are set on foil. This is a special technique that was used to bring the lustre of the diamonds to its best quality.

Diamonds: Ten table cut rose cut diamonds, one rose cut diamond and 22 senailles . A senaille is a simplified rose cut diamond, a small diamond chip with perhaps a few polished facets. We do not have the weight of all these diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts and senailles.

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April.
(more info on birthstones)

More background information on: table cut

Hallmarks: No trace.
(more info on hallmarks)

Condition: very good condition
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Dimensions: width 3.86 cm (1.52 inch)

Weight: 7.70 gram (4.95 dwt)

Reference Nº: 10131-4303

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

See also our:
pendants, Georgian pre victorian jewelry, 18th century jewelry, 19th century, 20th century jewelry, crosses, christian jewelry, silver on gold jewelry, silver on gold jewelry, bi-color jewelry, jewelry with rose cut diamonds, jewelry with diamond, latest acquisitions,
antique jewelry, estate jewelry, vintage jewelry or modern jewelry

Jewelry with birthstones (or month stones) for:
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August - September - October - November or December.


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