TABLE-CUT DIAMONDS "PAPILLON" (BUTTERFLY) 3-Tier Cross Pendant

TABLE-CUT DIAMONDS "PAPILLON" (BUTTERFLY) 3-TIER CROSS PENDANT,
1809-19, French 1st Empire,
(probably made in Brabant, at that time recently annexed by Napoleon)
27 diamonds, 9 table cut + 18 smaller cleaved & polished lasqué cut variants, total 1.25 -- 1.5 carats

The Table Cut in diamonds, evolved from the point cut, dominated through the later 1600's and 1700's, gradually replaced after the development of the 58 facet brilliant cut "Mazarin" & "Old Mine Cut"

Pendants of this form, called "PAPILLON" (butterfly), also called "FLEMISH CROSS" or "CROSS A LA JEANNETTE" are documented circa 1770 through 1840, popular from Normandy through Brabant, which was the center for their specialist jewelers

Hallmark : 1809-19 French 1st Empire (departments assay mark) reflecting the annexation of Dutch Brabant by treaty in March 16, 1810 at the height of Napoleon's First French Empire expansion.
(Source : Beuque, Poincons Officiel, vII [mark # 1.108, Faisceau, hache a droite]) The mark certifies silver purity .800 to .950 purity.

The silver openwork is accented by rose gold collar disks in "flowerhead" & radiant "sunburst" patterns.


# 26023 .............................................................................. $ 3,600.