Elegant Faith: A Rococo Diamond Cross of Distinction

This magnificent 18th-century cross pendant, with its origins likely in France or Belgium, is a splendid example of Rococo artistry. Fashioned from 18K yellow gold, it dates back to around 1750, a time when Rococo style flourished with its ornate and playful designs. The pendant is adorned with ten rose cut diamonds and senailles, set on foil to enhance their luster—a technique characteristic of the era. The cross symbolizes both divinity and the earthly realm, reflecting its Christian inspiration. This piece is not only a religious icon but also a testament to the intricate craftsmanship of the Rococo period.

Antique jewelry object group
pendant

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of French or Belgian origin.

Style
Rococo - Rococo (less commonly roccoco) also referred to as "Late Baroque" is an 18th century style which developed as Baroque artists gave up their symmetry and became increasingly more ornate, florid, and playful. Rococo rooms were designed as total works of art with elegant and ornate furniture, small sculptures, ornamental mirrors, and tapestry complementing architecture, reliefs, and wall paintings. It was largely supplanted by the Neoclassic style. In 1835 the Dictionary of the French Academy stated that the word Rococo "usually covers the kind of ornament, style and design associated with Louis XV's reign and the beginning of that of Louis XVI". It includes therefore, all types of art produced around the middle of the 18th century in France.
See also: Rococo
more info on styles

Style specifics
Rococo is a style of decoration that followed, c.1730, the baroque style in France (where it was also called rocaille), the principal features of which are asymmetry of ornament and a repertoire consisting to a considerable extent of rockwork, shells, flowers, foliage, and scrollwork. It was developed in France under Louis XV, 1715-74, and spread to Italy, Germany, and Austria and to a lesser extent to England.

Period
ca. 1750
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Source of inspiration
Christianity

Theme
Cross - The cross is one of the most ancient human symbols, and is used by many religions, such as Christianity. It is frequently a representation of the division of the world into four elements (or cardinal points), or alternately as the union of the concepts of divinity, the vertical line, and the world, the horizontal line. (from: Wikipedia)

Material
18K yellow gold (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Technique
The rose cuts are set on foil. This is a special technique that was used to bring the lustre of the diamonds to its best quality.

Diamonds
Ten rose cut diamonds and senailles . A senaille is a simplified rose cut diamond, a small diamond chip with perhaps a few polished facets. We do not have the weight of the rose cuts diamonds nor the senailles which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cut diamonds and senailles.
All diamonds we offer are screened by the I.J.G.C. for whether they are natural or synthetic, and all diamonds in this jewel are 100% guaranteed to be natural.

Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
Illegible remains.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
3,22 cm (1,27 inch) x 5,40 cm (2,13 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
7,80 gram (5,02 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
23271-0584

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

Additional information
our latest acquisitions
jewelry glossary
wall of fame
visit us in Antwerp
subscribe to our mailinglist