9 Carat Gold Set Paste Cross Pendant
 
There’s something deeply romantic about antique paste — a marvel of 18th- and 19th-century craftsmanship that dazzled Europe long before modern synthetics arrived. This charming cross pendant gleams with six beautifully cut pastes, each with a lively twinkle, and set in warm 9 carat gold confirmed by XRF scan. The reverse shows gentle dimpling — the faint marks of what collectors fondly call the “pirate test,” a bygone method of confirming gold by bite, adding a touch of human history to an already fascinating piece.
 
Paste gemstones were no mere imitation; in their heyday, they were worn by royalty and the fashionable elite of France and England alike. Composed primarily of finely leaded glass, these stones were often hand-faceted, coloured with metallic oxides, and finished with precision to rival natural gems. In France, the art of “crystal pastes” was perfected by Georges Frédéric Strass in the 18th century, and his techniques set the standard for centuries. This pendant bears that same spirit of craftsmanship — the glitter of old-world glamour paired with the elegance of fine goldwork.
 
Foil-backing was a clever hallmark of Georgian and early Victorian design, using a reflective metal surface behind each stone to intensify their brilliance under candlelight. Here, that technique still performs beautifully, giving the pastes a remarkable sparkle and depth against their radiant 9 carat gold surrounds. Elegant, evocative, and filled with history, this cross captures timeless allure while still glittering today.