Sweet gold Victorian gold antique cross made in France with crucifix

Antique jewelry object group: pendant

Country of origin: France

Style: Victorian - In 1837 Queen Victoria begins the longest reign in the history of Great Britain. For 64 years, from 1837 till 1901, she symbolizes the growth and triumph of the British Empire as Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India. Proud, passionate about beautiful things, highly educated about all styles of time, she influences the lifestyles through her taste and immense love of jewelry.

Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era. (Last part freely rendered from: Wikipedia)
See also: Victorian or more info on styles

Style specifics: The Grand Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837-1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this to be of the Grand Victorian Period.

This second Victorian period is famous for its ostentatious pieces set with pearls and diamonds (from South Africa). From ca. 1850 wealthy English had reported about jewelry from India and Japan, which heavily inspired the jewelers of this period. This period also corresponds with the death of Queen Victoria's husband King Albert making mourning jewelry (set with heavy dark stones) the type of jewelry specific for this period.

Period: ca. 1890
(events and facts in 1890)

Source of inspiration: Christianity

Theme: Cross - The cross is one of the most ancient human symbols, and is used by many religions, such as Christianity. It is frequently a representation of the division of the world into four elements (or cardinal points), or alternately as the union of the concepts of divinity, the vertical line, and the world, the horizontal line. (from: Wikipedia)

Material: 18K yellow gold
(more info on precious metals)

Extra information: Forget-me-not symbol - Although not certain, the use of the forget-me-not flower in this jewel could refer to its romantic symbolic meaning (forget me not), a popular symbol used among lovers.

INRI - The letters "INRI" are the initials for the Latin title that Pontius Pilate had written over the head of Jesus Christ on the cross. Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire. The words were "Iesus Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm.". The English translation is "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."

Hallmarks: The French control mark for 18K gold representing an eagle's head that was in use in France from about 1838.
(more info on hallmarks)

Condition: excellent condition
(more info on our condition scale)

Dimensions: height 3.80 cm (1.50 inch), width 1.90 cm (0.75 inch)

Weight: 2.20 gram (1.41 dwt)

Reference Nº: 10343-0054

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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