Sometimes it is dificult to date jewellery. Take this cross, for example. It has all the hallmarks of an Italian Reaniassance piece: the enamelling, the subject matter, the combination of crystal and gold, the handmade statue of Christ and INRI inscription. But the glass cross itself could also point to the so-called neo-styles, the 19th century Neo-Renaissance revival to be precise. This style, dated between roughly the 1850ties and 1880ties, prided itself by using techniques and styles to re-create the much admired pieces from the Renaissance.
Then what is it? We can't know for sure. The only way to have some clarity would be to bring it past a museum, ask the Renaissance experts. And even then...
So, I suppose the beauty is the thing that gives it its enduring grace. All the rest is up to the imagination of the beholder.
Renaissance gold crystal cross pendant
The cross in caught in 18k gold and weighs about10 grams. The crystal cross itself has been broken and repaired with a golden sheath. Its bale is of a later date and lower carat gold. It is unmarked. The extended arms of the cross have been decorated with enamelled gold. The statue of Christ and the sign above its head are in gold. It is most likely of Spanish origin. It measures 6cm in height and is 3,5 cm wide.
