Type of jewel: Vintage antique 18K gold cross about 200 years old Condition: Considering its age, the jewel is remarkably well-preserved. Crafted from thin, yet fully genuine gold, it bears some dents that enhance its antique charm and maintain its satisfactory condition. Country of origin: The Southern Netherlands, the former name for the current Belgium. (Belgium seceded in 1831 from Netherlands) Era: ca. 1820 Inspired by: Christianity Theme: Cross - The cross is one of the most ancient human symbols, and is used by many religions, such as Christianity. It is frequently a representation of the division of the world into four elements (or cardinal points), or alternately as the union of the concepts of divinity, the vertical line, and the world, the horizontal line. Material: 18K reddish/yellowish gold (touchstone tested) - It's difficult to pinpoint the exact hue of this gold; it falls somewhere between red and yellow. Technique: During the era when this jewel was crafted, the cost of gold was quite high while labor was relatively inexpensive. To ensure that even people who were not very wealthy could wear gold jewelry, jewelers employed a technique of making the gold jewelry extremely thin, resulting in an optimal effect with minimal intrinsic costs. As a result, these delicate jewels are highly vulnerable, and throughout the years, various incidents could have occurred, making it challenging to come across them in such a well-preserved state. Hallmarks: The Dutch control mark representing a lion's head for small gold works and that was in use between 1814 and 1906. Dimensions: 6,90 cm (2,72 inch) x 5,33 cm (2,10 inch) - See picture with a ruler in cm and inches Weight: 3,00 gram (1,93 dwt) Adin reference Nº: 24121-0328 - Accompanied by a professional report of authenticity for your peace of mind. - Shipped insured and registered for your security, though you're most welcome to collect in person. - For shipments outside the EU, import duties and other charges may apply. We advise checking this in advance. - We invite you to browse through our customer feedback to discover the level of satisfaction we consistently provide. - See more of our products, visit: https://auction.catawiki.com/lotsfrom/Adin - Antique and vintage jewellery often undergoes thoughtful refurbishment, remodelling, or repairs to enhance its longevity and wearability. Such pieces frequently bear marks of this tender care. Furthermore, we present our antique and vintage jewellery in its authentic state, refraining from removing scratches or applying rhodium plating to white gold items. Our priority is to preserve the genuine allure and history of each piece. However, as the new owner, you have the option to take it to a local goldsmith for a cosmetic refresh, should you choose.