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Georgian Carnelian, 12K Gold & Crystal Maltese Cross Locket Pendant


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Directory: Estate Jewelry: Gold: Pre Victorian: Pre 1837 VR: Item # 1401871
Kensington House Antiques
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Maryland
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A nice Georgian locket in the form of a Maltese cross with a central rock crystal locket compartment. The arms of the cross are made from faceted carnelian plaques mounted in gold around the central compartment. The compartment was intended to hold the woven hair or perhaps a miniature portrait of a loved one. The Cross of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John was created in 1126 based on designs from the Crusades. The eight points of the arms represented truth, faith, repentance, humility, justice, mercy, sincerity and endurance. During the latter Georgian era, romantic notions of history caused the Maltese cross to become a very popular fashion accessory. Tested and guaranteed 12K.
  • Origin: England, ca. 1800.
  • Condition: excellent; no damage to gold mountings or carnelian; the cross retains its original fluted gold bail; a small (1/32”) flake to one corner of a rock crystal cover.
  • Dimensions: 1-7/16” x 1-7/16” (excluding bail).
  • Weight: 9.0 grams.