18th Century Cut Steel Cross
Superb Georgian cut steel cross pendant; faceted steel studs, fashioned from the nails used to secure horseshoes, are riveted on to a metal frame, designed to glisten and gleam under candlelight. Cut steel had been used to adorn shoe buckles, scissors, and watch chains since the early 18th century with much of the early production taking place in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. With the popularity of shoe buckles waning towards the end of that century, the makers diversified into other decorative items including earrings, pendants, and brooches. The popularity exploded when Napoleon presented his second wife Marie Louise with a full cut steel parure (as he was unable to afford one made with gemstones).
This pendant features three types of steel stud: the standard round faceted, similar in profile to a rose cut diamond; central rows of truncated cones; and a faceted pear shaped stud at the centre of the articulated bail. It dates from the end of the 18th century, circa 1790, with elegant flourishes at the end of each arm.
Era: Georgian, circa 1790
Size: 4.5cm by 7.3cm (including bail)
Marks: None present
Condition: Great antique condition, complete with original bail
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
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Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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