Rare and Exceptional Georgian Golden Topaz Cross Pendant

Spectacular, and with the gentlest gleam of subtle golden colour, this antique Georgian cross pendant would have been very fashionable back in her day. Made in the reign of George III, circa 1800, we have had the gems tested which has revealed they are Golden Topaz (a certificate is included). The whole was made by hand, with the setting carefully made to fit these exact stones closely and ornamented with Granulation (the small Gold beads) adding finesse. Very like in arrangement to the famous Topaze cross that Jane Austen's sister Cassandra was gifted by their brother in 1801 whilst he was serving in the Navy which rests in the Austen Museum.

As Jane Austen writes in her letter to Cassandra dated May 1801: “He has received 30£ for his share of the privateer & expects 10£ more—but of what avail is it to take prizes if he lays out the produce in presents to his Sisters.  He has been buying Gold chains & Topaze Crosses for us;—he must be well scolded.  . . . —He will receive my yesterday’s letter to day, and I shall write again by this post to thank & reproach him.—We shall be unbearably fine.” 

The gems would have been found at the new mines in Brazil which were then being exploited by the Portuguese and hence set into jewels which were adored and sought after by the wealthy across Europe and we have found a very nice hand made period golden leather case which we feel is worthy to present her in.

Pieces of this age wouldn't have been subject to hallmarking but we have tested the gold and it tests as 18ct. For scale, the measurements are 2.5cm by 3.5cm.