Antique 18k Gold Chest Cross With Emeralds And Diamonds. Spain, C. 1900-1920
Important antique pendant cross made in 18 karat gold, decorated with oldcut diamonds and natural emeralds, probably dating from the late 19th centuryto the first decades of the 20th century, circa 1900-1920. This is a piece ofgreat visual balance and strong aesthetic personality, especially attractivedue to the combination between the intensity of the green emeralds and thesofter, more elegant brilliance of the antique diamonds. The ensemble conveys arefined, sober and deeply devotional image, very different from modernreligious jewellery produced in a more industrialised manner from the mid 20thcentury onwards.
The cross presents a highly harmonious geometric composition, with ahistoricist inspired design recalling certain Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissancemodels used in European devotional jewellery of the late 19th century. The armsterminate in pointed and lobed endings, providing a very elegant and perfectlyproportioned architectural silhouette. Its size, together with its weight of17.6 grams in 18K gold, gives it a presence far superior to what is usuallyfound in this type of pendant cross.
At the centre is a larger square emerald, surrounded by old cut naturaldiamonds arranged to form a very defined luminous nucleus. From this centre thearms develop through a succession of calibrated square and rectangularemeralds, accompanied by small antique diamonds set in symmetrical groups. Thecombination between the geometry of the emeralds and the warmer, more irregularbrilliance of the antique diamonds creates a particularly attractive andcharacterful visual contrast.
The use of emeralds in this type of cross also carries an importantsymbolic meaning within Christian tradition. The green colour has historicallybeen associated with hope, eternal life, resurrection and spiritual renewal. Ina devotional piece such as this, the emeralds provide not only material valueand aesthetic beauty, but also a meaning deeply connected to faith and the ideaof spiritual continuity.
The diamonds present the typical appearance of antique stones, with cutsless aggressive and softer than modern ones, something that further reinforcesthe possible early dating of the piece. Indeed, both the type of diamond cutand the overall construction of the cross, the handmade setting work and thehistoricist design suggest a dating clearly prior to the mid 20th century. Theentire ensemble also maintains total aesthetic coherence, without elementssuggesting important later modifications.
The mounting work is solid and very carefully executed. The slightlyelevated profile allows perfect appreciation of the volume of the stones andprovides visual depth when the cross is worn. The upper loop, wide and robust,appears perfectly integrated within the overall design and presents engraveddecoration consistent with the rest of the piece.
The back preserves an elegant hand engraved decoration with vegetal andsimple ornamental motifs, something especially interesting because itdemonstrates attention even in the non visible areas of the jewel, acharacteristic quite common in good quality antique jewellery. The reverse alsopreserves the openings corresponding to the settings, following traditionalmanufacturing techniques. No visible hallmarks are observed, although the piecehas been acid tested as 18K gold.
The state of preservation is very good. It presents no important dents,deformations or visible losses. All emeralds and diamonds remain complete andfirm in their settings. The cross also preserves a magnificent overallpresence, ready to continue being used from the very first day.
Visually this is a piece with great personality. It does not convey thesensation of light or purely ornamental religious jewellery, but rather that ofan authentic antique cross of certain category, made with noble materials andconceived to last for generations. The combination of 18K gold, antiquediamonds and natural emeralds provides an attraction difficult to find inmodern pieces, especially because of the sober elegance of its design and theauthenticity conveyed by its materials and construction.
Because of its quality, presence and possible chronology, this cross isideal both for devotional use and for a specialised collection of antiquereligious jewellery. It would also make a magnificent family piece or importantgift, one of those jewels that preserve not only material value, but alsosymbolism, character and history.
Measurements: 4.9 x 3.7 cm(1.93 x 1.46 in). Weight: 17.6 g. (0.62 oz.)
The cross presents a highly harmonious geometric composition, with ahistoricist inspired design recalling certain Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissancemodels used in European devotional jewellery of the late 19th century. The armsterminate in pointed and lobed endings, providing a very elegant and perfectlyproportioned architectural silhouette. Its size, together with its weight of17.6 grams in 18K gold, gives it a presence far superior to what is usuallyfound in this type of pendant cross.
At the centre is a larger square emerald, surrounded by old cut naturaldiamonds arranged to form a very defined luminous nucleus. From this centre thearms develop through a succession of calibrated square and rectangularemeralds, accompanied by small antique diamonds set in symmetrical groups. Thecombination between the geometry of the emeralds and the warmer, more irregularbrilliance of the antique diamonds creates a particularly attractive andcharacterful visual contrast.
The use of emeralds in this type of cross also carries an importantsymbolic meaning within Christian tradition. The green colour has historicallybeen associated with hope, eternal life, resurrection and spiritual renewal. Ina devotional piece such as this, the emeralds provide not only material valueand aesthetic beauty, but also a meaning deeply connected to faith and the ideaof spiritual continuity.
The diamonds present the typical appearance of antique stones, with cutsless aggressive and softer than modern ones, something that further reinforcesthe possible early dating of the piece. Indeed, both the type of diamond cutand the overall construction of the cross, the handmade setting work and thehistoricist design suggest a dating clearly prior to the mid 20th century. Theentire ensemble also maintains total aesthetic coherence, without elementssuggesting important later modifications.
The mounting work is solid and very carefully executed. The slightlyelevated profile allows perfect appreciation of the volume of the stones andprovides visual depth when the cross is worn. The upper loop, wide and robust,appears perfectly integrated within the overall design and presents engraveddecoration consistent with the rest of the piece.
The back preserves an elegant hand engraved decoration with vegetal andsimple ornamental motifs, something especially interesting because itdemonstrates attention even in the non visible areas of the jewel, acharacteristic quite common in good quality antique jewellery. The reverse alsopreserves the openings corresponding to the settings, following traditionalmanufacturing techniques. No visible hallmarks are observed, although the piecehas been acid tested as 18K gold.
The state of preservation is very good. It presents no important dents,deformations or visible losses. All emeralds and diamonds remain complete andfirm in their settings. The cross also preserves a magnificent overallpresence, ready to continue being used from the very first day.
Visually this is a piece with great personality. It does not convey thesensation of light or purely ornamental religious jewellery, but rather that ofan authentic antique cross of certain category, made with noble materials andconceived to last for generations. The combination of 18K gold, antiquediamonds and natural emeralds provides an attraction difficult to find inmodern pieces, especially because of the sober elegance of its design and theauthenticity conveyed by its materials and construction.
Because of its quality, presence and possible chronology, this cross isideal both for devotional use and for a specialised collection of antiquereligious jewellery. It would also make a magnificent family piece or importantgift, one of those jewels that preserve not only material value, but alsosymbolism, character and history.
Measurements: 4.9 x 3.7 cm(1.93 x 1.46 in). Weight: 17.6 g. (0.62 oz.)
4 350 €
Period: 20th century
Style: Other Style
Condition: Good condition
Material: Gold
Reference (ID): 1779516
Availability: In stock
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