Antique Necklace with Cross & Locket Pendant Made of Carnelian & Gold, c. 1820

The jewellery of the early 19th century surprises with its cheerful joy of color. After the austere years of classicism under Napoleon, people rediscovered the joy of adornment. Colour, light and fine craftsmanship found their way back into life, and the pieces of jewellery in the salons shone as vividly as the flowers in the gardens of the time. This pendant with its matching carnelian necklace is a beautiful testimony to this return of color. Four trapezoids of warmly shimmering carnelian form the arms of a cross with an amethyst adorning the center. The stone shines in a clear violet and is held by a golden frame that gently catches the light. The back conceals a glazed medallion compartment with a similar structure to the front. Inside lies a fine lock of hair, carefully inlaid and preserved over time. In the early 19th century, pieces of jewellery like this were more than just ornaments: they were gifts between close friends, family members or lovers. So this cross not only tells of the elegance of its time, but also of the gesture of a person who entrusted another with a piece of themselves.

Estimate:$1,438.16

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