Often referred to as Bohemian garnets, due to the region where they’re mined, these lovely crosses are a more recent version of the early turn-of-the-century crosses. Dark, beautiful, faceted garnets reflect against a sterling setting. (The camera reflects light through the smaller stones making some appear lighter. Ignore that. These are all beautifully dark.) Lovely.
Having recently returned from a European trip, I bring you these from the original garnet mines of Czechoslovakia. Earlier made, turn-of-the-century pieces were also made of garnets mined there. This gilded sterling silver garnet cross reminds us of treasured antique garnet necklaces of days gone by... a lovely cross with dark, lovely, faceted garnets. As seen in the photos, the vermeil (which is 14K gold over sterling silver) is much brighter in these new pieces.
These are traditionally made garnet crosses, with identical rose cut garnets making up the arms of the piece. The arms of the cross are ended classically, with three garnets finishing each arm, reflecting the Trinity. NBJ451C shows the addition of a genuine pearl. I can add that bit of whimsy for you if you'd like, too.
The crosses:
NBJ451C:
1 3/16” -including bale (7/8 without the bale) x 3/4”
Marked 925, 14K gold vermeil, Encircled G for Granat
Weight: 1.6 grams
NBJ451D:
3/4" x 1 1/4” (1 1/2” including bail)
Marked 925, 14K gold vermeil, Encircled G for Granát
Weight: 2.6 grams
NBJ451E:
1 1/4" x 1 3/4” (2 1/8” including bail)
Marked 925, 14K gold vermeil, Encircled G for Granát
Weight: 4.8 grams
NBJ451F:
3/4" x 1", 1 1/4” -including bale
Marked 925, 14K gold vermeil, Encircled G for Granat
Weight: 2.7 grams
NBJ451G:
1" x 1 3/8", 1 5/8” -including bale
Marked 925, 14K gold vermeil, Encircled G for Granat
Weight: 3.3 grams
NBJ451H:
7/8" x 1 1/4", 1 1/2” -including bale
Marked 925, 14K gold vermeil, Encircled G for Granat
Weight: 2.5 grams
PLEASE NOTE: Each of these crosses can be ordered in 14K by special order. If you are interested in that pricing, kindly reach out to me. Generally, it will be about five times the price for vermeil (14K over silver)
The chain:
1.3mm 14 karat gold filled Italian made chain, made in our shop. You pick the length.
I always enjoy knowing the story behind the pieces that I love. Granát is a cooperative in Turnov, a small town founded in 1272 right in the heart of what is called the Bohemian Paradise. The coop was formed 66 years ago when a number of smaller goldsmith shops combined to form a single entity. They now have sole propriety over all garnets mined in the Czech Republic. I love their work and love wearing their pieces. It is said that the garnet was considered to be a talisman and was worn by King David and Medieval warriors into battle...
You can follow the link below to see the other garnet crosses that I currently have in my collection. All very lovely!
Special requests email: notbeforejava [!at] gmail.com
For other crosses in my collection, follow this link:
https://notbeforejava.patternbyetsy.com/shop/23430647/cross-necklacesFor other unique necklaces from my collection, follow this link:
https://notbeforejava.patternbyetsy.com/shop/17236675/necklaces