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16thCentury RockCrystal Hogback ScissorCut Silver HighRelief Scrollwork Pendant
About the Item
In a rare scissor cut dating to the 1500s, this centuries-old prong-set hogback rock-crystal pendant produces a fascinating play of refractions in low light. With its rectangular narrow-edge silver frame decorated with high-relief curvy scrollwork and chasing on both sides, the bail-topped pendant was meant to be seen in its entirety, such as dangling from its jump-ring with turning movement that reveals both the hogback and table-cut sides of the crystal--ideally in flickering candlelight.
When seen from certain angles, the bold reflections of the x-shaped sides of the crystal makes some of its edges momentarily appear to be darkly metallic. Our additional new photos show how brilliant it is in dim light--without lit candles.
It may have been commissioned to be worn as a brooch hanging from a hat or as an earring. If worn as a pendant on a necklace, the deep pavilion of the crystal would face outward as it will not lay against the chest like its opposite flat crown.
By the 1700s, this antique variety of French-cut gem had almost disappeared in favor of the newer brilliant cut. The scissor cut was briefly popular during the Art-Deco period for geometric colored-gem jewelry, which was accentuated by its uniquely large triangular-and-diamond-shaped cuts.
Scissor-cut rock crystals can be found in Renaissance collections of leading European museums, while the nobility-commissioned objects are mostly identified as French, Austrian or German. Unlike diamonds over centuries, rock crystal was not recut to suit new lapidary fashions.
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Weight:15 g
- Dimensions:Width: 1.19 in (30 mm)Depth: 0.5 in (12.5 mm)Length: 1.97 in (50 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1500s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3244219156212
About the Seller
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Established in 2012
1stDibs seller since 2022
9 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: North Adams, MA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
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