A magnificent and rare large Georgian gold, piqué and seed pearl Maltese cross pendant with intricate canetille, filigree and acorn motifs. The piece is of museum quality having been exceptionally well looked after. A simialr piece can be found in the permanent collection of the V&A museum in London (accession no. M.25-1996) which denotes:
 
'The Maltese cross is the symbol of an order of Christian warriors known as the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Malta. A gold Maltese cross was presented to Lady Hamilton, wife of the English Minister to Naples, by the Emperor of Russia. This encouraged a vogue for the Maltese cross and it remained popular in the 1830s and 1840s.' 
 
Based on the similarities with this piece we can date the piece to around 1825 and having originated in Europe.  
 
The brooch fitting has been removed from the reverse at a later date but the hook fittings remain allowing for the piece to be worn as a statement pendant. 
 
Please feel free to contact us for more details on this piece, including additional images or video clips. 
 
MEASUREMENTS - Length and width 55mm
 
MATERIALS - Tortoiseshell / Pearl / Gold
 
WEIGHT - 9.2g
 
CONDITION - Overall excellent for the age of the piece. Some very minor loses to the delicate canetille cork but otherwise in excellent order. The central pearl is original to the pice and remains securely set. The brooch fitting to the back has been removed.