No reserve price - Pendant Victorian Mourning Cross in...

An excellent example of sentimental and mourning jewelry dating to the High Victorian Era (circa 1860-1880). This pendant represents a true cross-section of the rigid social and goldsmithing etiquette of the nineteenth century, configured as a high-collectible piece destined for an elite market. The Structure and Sculptural Thickness: The cross is made of authentic French Jet, a precious, dense black lead glass of the nineteenth century characterized by a deep mirrored luster, sharply faceted pyramid-like edges, and total absence of air bubbles. With a thickness of 0.7 cm, the piece boasts an imposing yet sophisticated three-dimensional presence. At the time, these generous thicknesses were chosen to flaunt social status, preferring materials balanced in weight (only 11.5 g overall) so they could be worn daily during the long years of mourning. The Cameo in Hard Stone and the Symbolism of the "Mezzo Lutto" (Half Mourning): In the center stands a fine oval cameo in real hard stone (onyx/jasper) finely carved in relief with a classical feminine profile. In Victorian culture, the introduction of a white cameo on a black base indicated the transition to the so-called "Second Mourning" or "Half Mourning": the white of the stone symbolized the light of remembrance beginning to pierce the darkness of grief. The use of hard stone instead of the common shell or glass paste attests to the high value of the original patronage. Technical Excellence of the "Invisible" Mounting: The cameo is applied with a refined, period-specific "thread" technique. It is deftly laid and anchored directly to the glass structure through a hot fusion of original nineteenth-century mastics (gum lac and mineral powder), without the aid of settings, prongs, or metal frames visible from the outside. This preserves the extraordinary geometric cleanliness of the design, a constructional finesse of exceptional quality. The Upper Clasp: Surmounted by an era-appropriate suspension hook in golden metal, whose workmanship and luster are fully compatible with production in low gold (9k/12k) or pinchbeck, typical of nineteenth-century jewelry standards. Technical Details and Specifications: Era: Circa 1860 - 1880 (Victorian Era). Dimensions: Overall height 7 cm (including hook); Width 3 cm. Cross thickness: 0.7 cm (7 mm). Total weight: 11.5 grams. Condition: Exceptional antique condition. The black glass structure is extraordinarily intact, free of chippings on the geometric profiles typical of these pieces, without cracks or restorations. The cameo is firmly anchored in its original setting. A piece for museum display, ideal for discerning collectors of historic jewelry or as a high-impact antique investment. Time signs: some minimal scratches or tiny nicks but this does not affect the beauty of bygone times.

Estimate:£0.84

View all items fromCatawikiorJewellery & Gems