Large Georgian Sterling Silver Black Dot Paste Cross Pendant Necklace
A striking Georgian sterling silver cross pendant, set with an impressive arrangement of large, hand-cut clear paste stones. The predominantly cushion-cut stones are individually set in silver, with the elongated cross design creating a wonderfully bold and dramatic piece of antique jewellery.
Dating to the late 18th to early 19th century, circa 1800–1820, this style of paste jewellery was created to capture the brilliance and appearance of diamonds. Georgian jewellers frequently used foil-backed paste stones with a tiny black dot painted beneath the culet, giving the stones greater depth and helping them sparkle particularly beautifully in candlelight.
The cross is suspended from a silver chain and has a fabulous scale, making it equally suited to being worn as a statement necklace or added to an antique jewellery collection. Large Georgian paste crosses are particularly sought after, with comparable examples dating to around 1820.
Period: Georgian, circa 1800–1820
Material: Sterling silver
Stones: Clear black dot paste
Design: Large cross pendant
Chain: Silver chain
Measurements: pendant length 7cm x 4cm
Chain length: 58cm
Condition: Good antique condition with age-related wear and patina consistent with a piece over 200 years old. Please refer to the photographs, which form part of the description.
A wonderfully dramatic example of Georgian black dot paste jewellery, combining the sparkle and glamour of the period with a beautifully simple cross design.
Care: Georgian foil-backed paste jewellery should not be immersed in water or cleaned with liquid jewellery cleaners, as moisture can damage the original foiling behind the stones. Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth.
