Cross - Imposing 19th-century French Jeannette pectoral crucifix in 30-micron gold laminate with - 1850-1900

This splendid pendant is an authentic work of art of sentimental and regional French jewelry from the nineteenth century. With its eight centimeters of overall height, including the flat suspension ring, it presents itself as a majestic object with a strong visual impact. The structure stands out for its strict lines and for the detailed raised floral reliefs worked in relief that culminate in the geometric central setting, while the pendant still preserves its precious original hook. Jeannette’s cross is historically linked to a romantic French popular tradition. It was indeed the jewel that fiancés gave to young women on the occasion of Saint John’s Day or that was given for baptism as a protective symbol. The particular relationship between the substantial eight-centimeter dimensions and the light weight of only 3.38 grams reveals the construction secret of nineteenth-century master jewelers, who used the fascinating technique of the hollow boxed sheet. This measure allowed a regal, showy, and elegant piece to be worn, yet extraordinarily comfortable and light to wear, avoiding the heavy weight and the prohibitive costs of solid gold. The quality and craftsmanship of excellence are entirely certified by a rigorous period hallmarking. The piece is indeed signed by four square punches, symmetrically arranged in pairs with two marks on one side and two on the other of the upper plate. This strict control system was used in France to guarantee the perfect uniformity of the gold layer on every single face of the jewel. Inside the impressions the figure 30 is clearly legible, officially certifying the thickness of the precious lamination, flanked by the master goldsmith’s unique mark. This is an exceptional period gilding considering that in jewelry the term plated is used as soon as five microns. The thirty microns of this specimen represented the maximum level of luxury and durability for the regional jewelry of the period. The pendant is in good overall conservation condition, enriched by a warm and fascinating antique patina that enhances its historicity and authenticity. As is absolutely normal and typical for these large nineteenth-century ultra-thin sheet structures, the lower part shows a slight and natural deflection of the metal. This small sign of time does not detract from the pendant’s stability or splendor, but tells its lived history and guarantees the correct original structure. This is an authentic, proud, and imposing collector’s piece, perfect to wear or to display in a curio cabinet."