Antique Cross Gold Brooch with Pearls, Ruby & Agate, c. 1840

The warm glow of gold, the silky shimmer of real pearls and the flaming red of a genuine ruby, framed by mysterious, misty agates: This large brooch is a feast for the senses. And a very special piece in more ways than one. On the one hand, the brooch presents itself in the form of a paw cross with religious significance: the cross as a symbol of Christianity is combined here with the Marian symbols of the pearl and the rose. On the back, the pendant has a compartment in which a finely woven hair braid is embedded: it is evidently a memento of a dear relative of the first wearer of the cross: the memory of the loved one should be kept alive in this way so as not to disappear into the mists of oblivion. On the other hand, the pendant fascinates with the finesse of its workmanship, especially the elaborate and detailed flowers and leaves made of different colored gold. This technique, which first emerged around 1840 and remained popular until the end of the 19th century, combines different gold alloys to create a particularly rich impression. This type of production was used particularly for naturalistic pieces of jewelry with blossoms to create variety and realism in the depiction. In our cross, all these refinements combine to create a rich impression: every time you look at it, a new detail is revealed. It came to us from London and is a wonderful example of a piece of jewelry from the time of the young Queen Victoria. For the shape of this cross, see David Bennet and Daniela Mascetti: Understanding Jewellery, Woodbridge 2010, p. 85. For examples of the technique of multicolored gold from this period, see also Charlotte Gere/Judy Rudoe: Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria, A Mirror to the World, London: British Museum Press 2010, p. 159, p. 172, p. 180.

Estimate:$2,575.2

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