A late-Victorian, cross-shaped pendant, made in 14k yellow gold, embellished with natural coral cabochons and a bevy natural, silvery, seed pearls. This cross is beautifully made, with an airy, open-work character.Its six, pinkish-orange corals are set in smooth bezels— ribbon like forms weave between the coral stations, and each of these is bead-setwith three seed pearls. The graceful movement of theseribboning forms calls to mind the image of a cloth draped cross, so perhaps this jewel was intended as an easter cross, or resurrection cross, representing purity and new life.The grouping of three pearls may recall the Catholic concept of the trinity. This cross hangs from its original bail. Marked 14k for purity. This cross was finished with a "bloom" to give the gold a high color.

Materials

14k gold
Coral
Pearl

Age

c. 1900

Dimensions

Measures approx 1.5" long, including bail; width of cross arms isapprox 4 mm; coral cabochons measure approx 3.5 mm; seed pearls average 1 mm.