-Portugal 1930 Fine Filigree Byzantine Type Pendant Cross In 18Kt Yellow Gold

Portuguese filigree pendant cross.

Beautiful pendant cross, created in Portugal, during the Victorian era, back in the 1850 or earlier. Crafted in the shape of a Byzantine cross, with the filigree technique in solid yellow gold of 18 and 21 karats with polished and engraved finishes. A Byzantine cross is an Upright cross with outwardly widening ends. It is often seen in relics from the late antique and early medieval Byzantine Empire until c. 800 AD and was adopted by other Christian cultures of the time, such as the Franks and the Goths.

Filigree

The word "filigree" comes from the Latin words "filum," meaning "thread," and "granum," meaning "grain." Filigree jewellery has been made for centuries, and its history can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Filigree is a technique, which entails working with wires of fine silver or gold, twisting and plaiting them into a rope. While some artisans would leave the rope and its wires in their cylindrical shape, others prefer to flatten them after twisting by using a rolling mill. Portuguese filigree is an art that continues to have a very manual production, which requires extreme expertise on the part of the artisan to work the very fine interlaced and welded gold or silver threads that make up each piece. It is, therefore, internationally recognized for its quality. In Portugal, artisans have used and continue to use filigree as a form of artistic expression in traditional jewelry, but also of Portuguese culture through its designs in the form of flowers, waves or fish scales.

Weight: 5.85 Grams, (3.75 Dwt).

Measurements: 32 mm by 51 mm (1.26 x 2.01 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with the mark for the assay of the gold, "18CTS".

Collateral: This cross is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this cross is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: P031024SENJ/.1406