Antique Georgian Cross Pendant Silver Diamonds Garnets Reversible Unisex (6908)

Antique Georgian or earlier cross pendant. 900 Silver, diamonds, garnets, gold. Origin unknown European or English (bought in London, England). Seller thought it was made 18th - very early 19th century. I think it is possibly a lot older than that. Unisex - can be worn by a man or woman. Was independently appraised.

Measurements: Weight is 7.5 grams. 2 3/4 inches long (just under 5cm), excluding the gold loop. 0.62ct diamonds. 13.20ct garnets.

Description : Classic Latin Cross pendant with very unsual reversible feature. One side is set with diamonds and one mainly with garnets (and a diamond). The garnet adorned side is somewhat flatter than the diamond-set side. Deep red garnets are pear shaped. They have large flat tables with gently faceted, low sides rising out of their bezels. Beautifully matched stones in size and color, a pair of garnets form the side arms of the cross and 3 almost identical garnets form the upper and lower sections. A scrolling open foliate-like arch adds length and interest and is set at it's apex with a small diamond in a flower-form silver mount, below the loop bale. The garnets are securely held in very old style, simple bezel settings with barely a stud-like crimp to help hold the gems in place. The other side follows the pear-shaped form of the garnets, but is composed of rounded silver with raised scrolls modelled up the rising sides. The apex of each segment is set with a rose-cut diamond that rises out of the rounded setting. The way the metal rises with the gem set in the top center was typical of very early jewelry. A lot of rose cut diamonds of previous centuries are far from symmetric in their cut, with haphazard facets that do not compliment the gems. In this pendant, the diamonds are impressively cut and very symmetric for their age and the technical ability of the period. Although they are closed at the back, they rise out of their mounts very nicely and from what we can see, they are of an unusually clear and good color for diamonds of this period. As a result of these feature, these diamonds catch the light and glitter beautifully. The gold ring / bale is most likely a much later addition that allows the pendant to be worn on a regular chain. For hundreds of years, cross pendants have been the most widely worn form of jewelry. This wonderfully made and unusual cross is an example of antique jewelry that is as wearable today as it was hundreds of years ago. Gem stones are surprisingly well matched in size, shape and color. Clearly, this cross pendant was invested with a lot of time, cost and effort. This important cross is significant for its rarity, intrinsic value, and incredible history.

Marks and Metal: None.

Condition: Wear commensurate with age, but otherwise good condition. The pendant has been over-cleaned to my taste, but it might have been necessary after hundreds of years of accrued grime/tarnish. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer. Independent appraisal available to new owner.