Engaging Georgian Garnet Cross Style Pendant/Brooch c.1800

Caroline's Jewelry with a Past is offering an exquisite Georgian era cross style pendant brooch in 18kt. yellow gold c. 1800. The segments are composed of deep maroon red natural garnets. The center garnet is prong set, oval cut, flat top with side facets. It is set in cannetille decoration of swirls and balls. The four side pieces of the Tau Cross are mounted with prong set, flat cut, pear shaped, dark maroon red natural garnets. The sides are created to look like flowers with 5 garnets each centered with a prong set natural pearls. Surrounding the "flowers" are attached ball decoration. The pendant brooch is closed back giving the stones an added rich look. The cross style pendant is 1-3/8" long X 1-3/8" wide. The pendant ring adds an additional 1/4" to the length. The brooch fixture is a C-clasp style. The pendant brooch weighs 7.2 grams. Like many pieces from this era, there is a later box included.

Georgian and early Victorian women wore this type of pendant with a ribbon through the bail. The piece was tightly worn around the neck and sat a bit higher than a choker. Crosses were an important accessory to women from this period, as they could be worn with daytime costumes. Diamond crosses were usually reserved for nighttime wear.

The gold content of this piece has been tested using standard accepted testing methods, such as acid testing. The stones were tested using a standard jeweler's gemstone tester. The pearls are assumed to be natural since the piece pre-dates cultured pearls. The stones were not removed from the piece to do physical testing or for weight. There is no chain included with the piece.