{"product_id":"1760-croix-de-saint-lo-18-karat-gold-pendant-with-black-spot-paste-jewels","title":"1760 Croix de Saint-Lô 18 Karat Gold Pendant With Black Spot Paste Jewels \u0026 French Assay Marks","description":"\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eAn exceptional 18th-century Croix de Saint-Lô (Saint-Lô Cross), representing an iconic style of French regional folk jewelry originating from Normandy. A similar example is currently documented in the permanent archives of the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert (V\u0026amp;A) Museum in London, serving as a prominent historic reference for European devotional and folk jewelry. Please see thre link below for a comparative study here:\u003cbr\u003ehttps:\/\/collections.vam.ac.uk\/item\/O377417\/cross-unknown\/\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Regional Significance\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThroughout the 18th and 19th centuries, these traditional crosses were highly coveted regional bridal or celebratory jewels in Normandy, particularly around the areas of Saint-Lô and Rouen. Surviving mid-18th-century jewelry of this specific regional provenance is exceedingly scarce, making this an extraordinary find for the serious collector of historical European pieces.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eDistinct Architecture \u0026amp; Craftsmanship\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe pendant features the signature articulated modular layout that defines the Croix de Saint-Lô, designed as a stylised two-part cross made from openwork 18-carat gold in an intricate floral design.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe main section features four high conical mounts set with large, circular white crystals (black spot pastes), with smaller crystals beautifully nestled between them. The lowest limb of the cross (the pendeloque) hangs loosely from a bar at the base of the main section. This articulated teardrop section features a matching central drop-shaped conical mount, showcasing a pear-shaped central crystal surrounded by a halo of smaller stones.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe black spot pastes themselves are hand-cut to simulate the deep, open culets of antique diamonds (such as the old mine cut) and feature a characteristic painted black dot at their base to mimic the optical illusion of a genuine antique diamond.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eMounted in traditional Georgian closed-back gold cups with reflective foil placed beneath each stone, these openwork crystals were explicitly designed to maximize brilliance and fire under candlelight. The piece is finished with a long loop for suspension on the back at the top.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eMeasurements \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003eWeight: 5 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003eLength: 6.3 cm in total length (drop included)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003eWidth: 5.5 cm across the horizontal arms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003eDepth: 1 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003eHallmarks: Stamped with a French control marks on the triangular hinge plate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003eEra: Georgian, circa 1760\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eExcellent antique condition. The 18K gold modular openwork is fully intact with no visible breaks to the floral scrollwork. The black spot pastes are bright and remarkably clear; the closed-back settings have not suffered the typical water damage or oxidation so frequently seen in jewelry of this age. The articulated lower limb moves smoothly and securely.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eCare Note for Collectors\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eBecause the stones in this piece feature traditional 18th-century foil backings, the pendant must never be submerged in water or cleaned with liquid jewelry cleaners. Moisture can seep into the enclosed solid gold settings and irreversibly damage the delicate reflective foil beneath the stones.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Mother's Silverware ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58243794633048,"sku":"001","price":4800.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/9202\/7224\/files\/20260823_135837.jpg?v=1787518359","url":"https:\/\/motherssilverware.com\/products\/1760-croix-de-saint-lo-18-karat-gold-pendant-with-black-spot-paste-jewels","provider":"Mother's Silverware ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}