Must See Antique Victorian 14k Rose and Yellow Gold Multi Tone Cross Pendant
Presented is a superb quality American Victorian 14 karat gold cross pendant.
This piece dates to around the 1860s-1880s, likely the earlier part of that
range. The cross is done in a stunning combination of finishes and colors of
gold. The center line of both parts of the cross is a rose gold 'stem' with
leaves alternating in yellow gold and platinum or silver (white gold was not in
use yet). The leaves are very finely hand textured and detailed and catch the
light beautifully. The bulk of the cross has a high karat gold matte finish,
with applied wirework and granulation in a bright finish for contrast. The
craftsmanship on this piece is really incredible, with the laurel leaf design
actually 'floating' over the hollow channels in the center of the cross, you can
see where the decoration is bolted with a little rosette design in front and a
little rivet in back.
nitric acid and guarantee it to be 14 karat rose gold underneath a higher karat
gold plating. The bail is stamped 14k.
This piece is in excellent condition, particularly considering its age. The
applied wirework and granulated decoration is all intact. The high karat gold
plating has a spot of wear on the back, at the top, but this is not visible when
the cross is being worn. The bail is not original, it is a modern replacement,
but it could easily be replaced with a bail that is more secure and better
suited to the piece by your local jeweler.
The cross measures about 2 7/8 inches long (including the bail) or about 2
3/8 inches without the bail, and has an armspan of about 1 ½ inches.
The cross weighs 16.7 grams.
-jm