18K Yellow and White Gold Amethyst and Rose Cut Diamond Antique Cross Pendant

A quite conspicuous three inch Victorian cross with budded tips at the end of each crossbar, each shimmering with a bezel-set rose cut diamond, gleams with sixteen rich royal-purple amethysts. The amethysts, each cut in an unusual and captivating hexagon shape, are decorated between stones with hour glass motifs highlighted with pairs of small rose cut diamonds. The pendant is embellished with a star shaped center featuring a larger rose cut diamond and four small rose cut diamonds. This is a rare and ravishing collectible. The stones, all set in 18K white gold, rest upon a base of 18K yellow gold. The bale is yellow gold and an adjustable 18K 16"-18" white gold chain with lobster clasp is included. Circa 1865-1880.

In 1863, King Frederick VII of Denmark gifted his daughter Alexandra with a Dagmar – a type of ancient cross – as she was about to marry the Prince of Wales. The piece immediately became a must-have and served to skyrocket the popularity of cross jewellery as nobles and commoners sought their own. Another factor that helped the spreading of the cross necklace trend was the photography industry, as it became a respected item to wear when having a portrait made. Women would show off their style in the most modest way possible, wearing high cleavage tops that emphasized their cross jewellery.

• 18K yellow and white gold
• (16) hexagon-shaped amethysts (5.30mm x 5.00mm x 3.00 mm)
• (29) rose-cut diamonds (0.47 ctw)
• Diamond colour: H-I
• Diamond clarity: I-1
• Gram weight is 11.5
• Cross measures approximately 8 cm from bale to bottom
• Chain measures 16"-18" in length
• Independently appraised value for insurance purposes: $6,460.00 (note: may not reflect selling price) 

All items in the Estate Originals Collection are estate pieces created in years gone by. Although this item is in excellent condition, it could have some signs of its age and past enjoyment. The images shown are of the exact item you will receive.