A poetically beautiful and superior piece of jewellery history. Dating to around 1800-1840 and sometimes known as a 'Croix a la Jeannette', this majestic pendant has a serious religiosity in the formal arrangement of the high domed Diamond set sections forming the shape of a cross, alongside a romantic nature wrought by the lacy tendrils of silver surrounding the applied floral highlights picked out in rosy hued 18ct yellow gold. Set throughout with the dark sparks of both Rose cut and crudely cut 'Senaille' Diamonds, the whole is beautifully and entirely handmade. Look closely at our photographs to see that each adorably tiny leafy curlicue of silver wire has been attached individually. The four sections are fully articulated giving wonderful movement and this amazing piece can be worn in a variety of ways; as a draped brooch in the style of a 'stomacher'; a pendant using the loop at the bank; or stitched onto clothing through the looped sections of the filigree.
This style of cross was worn throughout France and Belgium at the time, but we believe this piece to be of Belgian origin. It is a fascinating and historic piece of jewellery to hand down in your family, to bring out at weddings and treasure over the generations.
For scale; from the top it measures 3 inches and across the widest part 1.5 inches.
If you'd like to pay for this piece in instalments, our