Diamonds of Devotion: Exploring a 1740 Belgian Diamond Cross

This Rococo-era Belgian gold cross pendant, circa 1740, is an embodiment of the playful and ornate characteristics of the period. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, it features an array of table cut rose diamonds and senailles, each meticulously set to enhance their natural radiance. The design and intricate detailing reflect the lavish Rococo style, which was prevalent in France during the reigns of Louis XV and XVI. This pendant, inspired by Christian themes, represents not only a religious symbol but also a piece of art, capturing the essence of an era known for its decorative elegance and flair.

Antique jewelry object group
pendant

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

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

Style
Rococo - Rococo (less commonly roccoco) also referred to as "Late Baroque" is an 18th century style which developed as Baroque artists gave up their symmetry and became increasingly more ornate, florid, and playful. Rococo rooms were designed as total works of art with elegant and ornate furniture, small sculptures, ornamental mirrors, and tapestry complementing architecture, reliefs, and wall paintings. It was largely supplanted by the Neoclassic style. In 1835 the Dictionary of the French Academy stated that the word Rococo "usually covers the kind of ornament, style and design associated with Louis XV's reign and the beginning of that of Louis XVI". It includes therefore, all types of art produced around the middle of the 18th century in France.
See also: Rococo
more info on styles

Style specifics
Rococo is a style of decoration that followed, c.1730, the baroque style in France (where it was also called rocaille), the principal features of which are asymmetry of ornament and a repertoire consisting to a considerable extent of rockwork, shells, flowers, foliage, and scrollwork. It was developed in France under Louis XV, 1715-74, and spread to Italy, Germany, and Austria and to a lesser extent to England.

Period
ca. 1740
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

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 (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Technique
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
Six table cut rose cut diamonds . We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.
Four 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 these diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to senailles.
All diamonds we offer are screened by the I.J.G.C. for whether they are natural or synthetic, and all diamonds in this jewel are 100% guaranteed to be natural.

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

Hallmarks
No trace.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
height 4,44 cm (1,75 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
6,60 gram (4,24 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
23167-0271

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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