Georgian Gold Turquoise Maltese Cross Pendant Brooch c.1820s

Description

SHIPPING INSIDE U.K. ONLY 

Stunning large Georgian Maltese cross; beautifully worked with fine cannetille gold details and turquoise accents applied to the double layer of tortoiseshell.

Its rare to find one of these in such stunning condition; a similar example can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum London: http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O72680/brooch-unknown/

The Maltese cross is the symbol of an order of Christian warriors known as the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Malta. A gold Maltese cross was presented to Lady Hamilton, wife of the English Minister to Naples, by the Emperor of Russia. This encouraged a vogue for the Maltese cross and it remained popular in the 1830s and 1840s.

This stunning piece is very wearable as a brooch or as a pendant thanks to the loop fitting. It’s a beautiful design and looks great on its own as a statement piece or layered with other items.

AGE: Georgian c1820s

MATERIAL: Antique Tortoiseshell set with gold and natural turquoise.

SIZE: 5.25cm across

WEIGHT: 6.1grams

CONDITION: Great antique condition. No loss to the cannetille work. The turquoise range from light duck egg blue to a slightly darker green tint. Bale is secure. Brooch fitting is a simple clasp; this works well but you may wish to add a safety chain to the loop for extra security. Please see photos – video available on request. Chain is for illustration only.

Please do note that this is ANTIQUE tortoiseshell and so made many years before restrictions on the use of that material in jewellery.

CARE GUIDANCE: Do not immerse or spray in liquids / aerosols.

SHIPPING: Free inside the UK only – I will not ship this item overseas due to the risk of customs issues.

TAGS: Georgian Gold Turquoise Maltese Cross Pendant Brooch c.1820s