Antique Georgian Tortoiseshell Turquoise 14ct Gold Maltese Cross And Earrings Circa 1825
Please note Antique Victorian 9ct Yellow Gold Long Guard Chain Circa 1900 is available for separate purchase.
Please see the link below to the Victoria and Albert Museum for a very similar example.
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O72680/brooch-unknown/
A quite extraordinary suite of jewellery dating to the early 1800’s, crafted from Tortoiseshell with applied cannetille work to both Maltese cross and earrings.
Centred to the Cross is a tiny Turquoise cabochon surrounded by fine gold wire cannetille work which extends to the entirety of the Maltese cross. Popular during the Georgian era and found in almost every European nation during the 1820’s and 1830’s.
Fine threads of gold were worked by hand into various shapes such as scrolls, rosettes, pyramids, and tendrils and welded or, in this example, riveted to the host material.
Remarkably this Maltese cross is accompanied by a pair of period earrings, Tortoiseshell and cannetille work also, acquired together by us as a set, however we cannot definitively attest to their being a pair since manufacture 200 years ago! If only jewellery could talk!
A remarkable testament to the skill of jewellers two hundred years ago, presenting to the market very rarely, this wondrous suite is a collectors dream.
STONES
Turquoise
MEASUREMENTS
Cross - 4cm x 4cm
Earrings - Drop from ear 5cm
WEIGHT
Maltese Cross Pendant - 2.38 Grams
Earrings 2.06 Grams
MARKS
None
Cannetille work to Maltese Cross XRF tested as 14ct gold
Earrings not tested but would be similar
Earring Shepherd hooks not tested but are not gold
CONDITION
Good 18th century condition. Tiny losses of cannetille work to both Cross and earrings. Pin and clasp to verso of Maltese cross is missing. Shepherd hook ear wires to first surmount of earrings are adhered to tortoiseshell at rear, we do assume this is original work but cannot be 100% sure, stable and to all accounts and purposes secure. A wondrous and rare to find set of Georgian jewellery.
Laybys & Hold Policy
Do you have your eye on a fabulous piece but need some extra time to
pay? At Graisons, we offer suitable layby terms for pieces priced $400 AUD and above. Contact us for more details.
Purchase Guide & Refund Policy
For information regarding our Purchase Guide & Returns Policy, please click here
Shipping & Delivery
Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
For all international purchases, a third party postal company will complete the final stage of delivery.
Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.
We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.
PLEASE NOTE: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibility. Please contact your local customs agency if you wish to discuss potential rates and fees.
Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
If your item includes an independent valuation, the physical certificate will be included.
Choose options