Period: Early 19th century

Measurements: 10,5 cm x 7,5 cm

Weight: 4.5 gr

Beautiful large regional cross in solid 18K rose gold from the 19th century, guilloche and decorated with flowers in reserve on both sides at the intersection of the arms. these end in fleur de lys with bulbs decorated with foliage. the bellière a large ring for velor ribbon or large cord, passes through a large flat fleur-de-lis where the punches are struck, including the eagle head. in very good condition for its age.

The "Croix de Jeannette" were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries throughout France, especially in Savoy, Brittany, Normandy, Lorraine, Alsace, and Provence. They were crosses without a Christ, with the end that widened into the shape of a lily and the other ends shaped like flames. In the center, they often featured a flower, a sun, or a dove (the Holy Spirit). They were worn hanging from a dark velvet ribbon, more rarely from a chain, often topped with a heart-shaped pendant. Traditionally, working-class girls purchased the cross with their first wages, on St. John's Day, hence the name "Jeannette." Besides being a symbol of faith, they also marked the transition from childhood to active life and adulthood.