Early 19th Century Paris 18K Gold Goldstone Cross Pendant & Day & Night Earrings Suite, c.1819–1838

A rare and beautifully preserved early 19th-century French jewellery suite, dating to approximately 1819–1838, comprising a large cross pendant, a movable heart-shaped slider, and a pair of convertible Day & Night earrings, all presented in their original antique fitted box.

The suite is crafted in 18K gold and antique Goldstone, a richly coloured decorative glass characterised by its warm reddish-brown tone and fine metallic sparkle. In natural light, the surface comes alive with countless golden flecks, creating a soft, star-like shimmer that beautifully complements the warmth of the gold.

The large cross pendant features an elegant flared-arm form with a subtle Maltese Cross-inspired influence. Each arm is formed from carefully shaped Goldstone sections and joined by finely worked 18K gold mounts. The centre and connecting sections are decorated with delicate foliate, scroll and granulated gold details, creating a richly layered and highly decorative composition.

The reverse of the cross is open-backed, revealing the construction and careful assembly of the individual sections.

Above the cross is a separate heart-shaped Goldstone slider, designed to move along the black silk cord. The softness of the heart motif creates a romantic contrast with the more formal cross below and adds another charming element to the overall composition.

The matching earrings are particularly special for their Day & Night convertible design.

The upper circular Goldstone sections may be worn alone for a more refined and understated daytime look. The lower pear-shaped Goldstone drops are detachable and can be added to create a longer, more dramatic evening style. This versatile two-way construction is one of the most appealing features of the suite and reflects the ingenuity of early 19th-century European jewellery design.

The circular upper sections and pear-shaped drops are connected with finely worked 18K gold foliate and scroll motifs. When worn with the drops attached, the earrings move gently with the wearer, allowing the fine metallic sparkle within the Goldstone to catch and reflect the light.

The gold bears a French Ram’s Head hallmark, associated with Paris between 1819 and 1838, providing an important reference for both the date and Parisian origin of the suite. The metal has also been professionally tested.

Even more remarkably, the suite retains its original antique fitted jewellery box, with its distinctive octagonal shape, red exterior and pale velvet-lined interior. The survival of the cross pendant, heart slider, matching convertible earrings and original box together makes this an especially desirable and highly collectible early 19th-century ensemble.

A beautiful combination of Parisian goldsmithing, antique Goldstone, convertible jewellery design and exceptional completeness, this suite is both highly wearable and deeply evocative of its period.

Details

* Date: Circa 1819–1838
* Period: Early 19th Century / Georgian Era
* Origin: Paris, France
* Metal: 18K Gold
* Hallmark: French Ram’s Head hallmark, Paris, 1819–1838
* Material: Antique Goldstone
* Suite Includes: Cross pendant, heart-shaped slider, pair of detachable earrings, original antique fitted box
* Cross Design: Decorative flared cross with Maltese Cross-inspired influence
* Earring Design: Convertible Day & Night earrings with detachable lower drops
* Total Weight: Approx. 10.86 g
* Cross Dimensions: Approx. 7 × 4.1 cm
* Cross Reverse: Open-backed construction
* Heart Slider: Approx. 2 × 1.6 cm, movable along the cord
* Earrings Total Weight: Approx. 5.14 g per pair
* Earring Length: Approx. 3.7 cm
* Earring Width: Approx. 1 cm
* Workmanship: Hand-finished foliate, scroll and granulated gold detailing
* Testing: Professionally tested
* Presentation: Original antique fitted box included

Why You’ll Love It

* Rare early 19th-century Paris jewellery suite
* French Ram’s Head hallmark dating to 1819–1838
* Beautiful antique Goldstone with fine golden sparkle
* Large decorative cross with elegant Maltese Cross-inspired form
* Convertible Day & Night earrings with detachable drops
* Movable heart-shaped slider
* Fine 18K gold foliate and scroll detailing
* Remarkably complete with its original antique fitted box
* A highly distinctive collector’s piece combining history, craftsmanship and wearability

Condition

Presented in very good antique condition, with light surface wear, minor age-related marks and natural patina consistent with its age.

The Goldstone retains its beautiful warm colour and characteristic metallic sparkle, while the goldwork remains finely detailed and attractive. The detachable earring components and heart slider remain functional.

The original antique box shows expected age-related wear and patina, which adds to its historical character.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

Shipping

【📦 Worldwide shipping from London, UK】

The suite will be carefully presented and securely packaged for delivery.

All orders are sent using a fully tracked and insured shipping service. A signature may be required upon delivery depending on the destination and courier.

About SHECH

At SHECH London, we are drawn to jewels that preserve not only beauty, but also the craftsmanship, ingenuity and character of another time.

This remarkable suite is a perfect example — a rare survival of early 19th-century Parisian jewellery, combining convertible design, fine goldwork and the warm, star-like shimmer of antique Goldstone.