circa 1720

The cross is finely crafted in gold (at least 14K) and embellished with rare table cut diamonds. The diamonds are set in rubover settings. The smaller diamonds of the rosettes are set in silver bezels over gold.

The table cut is considered to be the first true diamond cut. Table cut diamonds are mostly found in Renaissance, 17th, and early 18th century jewelry. At the time, diamonds were rare and very valuable. With only five facets, table cut diamonds didn’t produce much sparkle. Diamonds were worn as exotic stones. They were highly valued for their hardness and rarity.

The cross measures 46 x 32 mm (1 3/4 x 1 1/4 in.)