We were and are still blow away by this beauty. This Croix de Jeannette made out of solid 18 karat gold is in excellent condition. A cross of Jeannette is a cross without a Christ which ends turn into fleur-de-lis and often have a flower or dove in its center. Just like this pendant, an enamelled flower ( a white violet) covers one side of the center, while the other side shows the letters A and M intertwined with a heart and cross. These initials represent "Auspice Maria : under the protection of Mary". The ends of the cross show the french lily, while the body of the cross itself is covered with scroll shapes. Four textured spheres are placed between the arms of the cross while three smooth spheres are decorating the ends of the arms.
This rare pendant is not hallmarked, but tested for solid 18 karat gold. It was most likely made in France in the 19th century and worn by a young girl who bought it with her first wages on Saint-Jean day. It is therefore called a 'jeannette" and represent the transformation from child to adult, but also Christian faith and financial independence through work.
We absolutely adore this treasure. Its royal appearance, incredible details and the fact that it holds a story.
We were and are still blow away by this beauty. This Croix de Jeannette made out of solid 18 karat gold is in excellent condition. A cross of Jeannette is a cross without a Christ which ends turn into fleur-de-lis and often have a flower or dove in its center. Just like this pendant, an enamelled flower ( a white violet) covers one side of the center, while the other side shows the letters A and M intertwined with a heart and cross. These initials represent "Auspice Maria : under the protection of Mary". The ends of the cross show the french lily, while the body of the cross itself is covered with scroll shapes. Four textured spheres are placed between the arms of the cross while three smooth spheres are decorating the ends of the arms.
This rare pendant is not hallmarked, but tested for solid 18 karat gold. It was most likely made in France in the 19th century and worn by a young girl who bought it with her first wages on Saint-Jean day. It is therefore called a 'jeannette" and represent the transformation from child to adult, but also Christian faith and financial independence through work.
We absolutely adore this treasure. Its royal appearance, incredible details and the fact that it holds a story.
