Faith & Devotion - Edwardian Spanish 18K Gold & Silver Rose Cut Diamond Cross Pendant & 14K GF Chain (EDP038)

Faith & Devotion - Edwardian Spanish 18K Gold & Silver Rose Cut Diamond Cross Pendant & 14K Gold fill Chain. This exquisite cross is crafted from 18K gold, and silver, hallmarked 750 (European hallmark for 18K gold), tested 18K, and silver. The chain is 14K gold fill, hallmarked 1/20 14K GF. This pendant features 19 natural antique hand-cut rose cut diamonds, Edwardian era styling, and high quality craftsmanship. This beautiful cross exhibits a wonderful shape, exquisite delicate milgrain decoration, and an open-work bale. The bale is crafted in yellow gold, as is the back of the cross, whilst the front is crafted in silver. Silver was used for setting diamonds in early antique jewelry, since white gold was not widely used during this time period. Diamonds also looked beautiful set in silver because the diamonds reflected the silver, which in turn made the diamonds look whiter.  The rose cut diamonds adorn this cross beautifully, and add a wonderful glow to the piece. The cross is open backed, which allows the diamonds to reflect the light perfectly. An open backed piece also makes cleaning easier. The chain is 14K gold fill, which looks lovely with the cross. However the bale is large enough that it can be worn with a heavier chain, a silver chain, or a white gold chain. There are many options with this glorious piece. The cross is delicate, however still substantial, and in superb condition. The size of the cross in my opinion is perfect, not too small that it gets lost when worn, and not too large, which sometimes can make it difficult to wear with today's fashion. This antique Edwardian era piece would make a very special addition to any antique jewelry collection. Simply stunning! 

Note: Appraisal included with the cross. However the appraisal does not reflect the antique value of this pendant. 

History: The earliest diamonds were found in India in 4th century BC, although the youngest of these deposits were formed 900 million years ago. A majority of these early stones were transported along the network of trade routes that connected India and China, commonly known as the Silk Road.

The rose cut originated in the 1500's and was commonly used through the Georgian and Victorian eras. Like other antique diamond cuts, they were cut by hand and meant to dazzle under candlelight. Their large, wide facets performed exquisitely in low light conditions.

The rose cut is considered to be one of the oldest diamond cuts. Rose cut diamonds gathered popularity from their creation in the 1500s right through to the late 19th Century.

Today, they are seeing a renaissance and are highly sought-after.It can be challenging to find a rose cut that you'll love because they are so rare in the market. - Because the rose cut diamond is cut by hand, there will often be tiny imperfections or asymmetries to the facets.

You cannot look at antique cut diamond jewelry factually with a recut formula in mind, its value is object driven. Antique cuts are a greater challenge in estimating weight once they have been mounted (especially if they are closed back). These antique cut diamonds are hand cut, which makes them so special . This is a rare find. 

In 1953, GIA formally created its diamond grading system, known as the 4 C's. The 4 Cs of diamond quality are the universally recognized diamond grading system still to be used today.  1n 1955, GIA presented its first diamond grading reports, which became the hallmark of grading reports in the diamond industry. Before this time in antiquity clients did not care about diamond grading. It was based more so on the size of the diamonds ( according to budget), style, and sentiment. 

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

The story of silver mining began about 5,000 years ago. Silver was first mined around 3,000 BCE in Anatolia, now located in modern-day Turkey. The precious metal helped early civilizations in the Near East, Ancient Greece to flourish.

The Edwardian era of the Edwardian period of British history covers the brief reign of King Edward VII, 1901 to 1910, and it extended to the start of the First World War. The death of Queen Victoria in 1901 marked the end of the Victorian era. So therefore Edwardian jewelry dates as Edwardian jewelry from 1901- 1919. 

Measurements: Cross Pendant (Including Bale) 47.00 mm x 24.00 mm    Chain 18" 

Stone Size: Diamond (Antique Rose Cut) .55 carats 

Weight: 4.40 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Spain     Chain: Ireland 

Date: Circa 1910