This is such a special jewel, not only is it beautiful, unusual and tactile, but it is made from a material that has been worn for protection, since the 16th century. Chiastolite is a variety of andalusite, and it’s the graphite running through it that forms the cross shaped pattern running through it. It’s a complex mineral process, and the result is super striking. It isn’t hard to understand why it was made into jewellery; in the 16th century, pilgrims returning from Santiago de Compostela distributed amulets made from the material, throughout Europe. This piece is later than that, from around the mid 19th century, but you can definitely imagine the Victorians loving the back story. What I really love, it how the stone has been turned, so that you see an X rather than a cross, and it would have been admired for its likeness to a four leaf clover, rather than the obvious religious connotation with the cross.
The stone is mounted so elegantly and simply, no further embellishment is needed, just a clean bezel mount, open on both sides to show the stone off. Chiastolite continues to be enjoyed today, but this antique, from a very different era, holds undeniable charm, and is a rare piece to find. I hope it brings luck and protection to whoever becomes its new caretaker.
Circa 1850
Chiastolite 9ct rose gold
Stamped 9c
4 grams
32 × 16.5 × 4mm not including the bale
Excellent, light surface scratching/marks to gold commensurate with age
This is such a special jewel, not only is it beautiful, unusual and tactile, but it is made from a material that has been worn for protection, since the 16th century. Chiastolite is a variety of andalusite, and it’s the graphite running through it that forms the cross shaped pattern running through it. It’s a complex mineral process, and the result is super striking. It isn’t hard to understand why it was made into jewellery; in the 16th century, pilgrims returning from Santiago de Compostela distributed amulets made from the material, throughout Europe. This piece is later than that, from around the mid 19th century, but you can definitely imagine the Victorians loving the back story. What I really love, it how the stone has been turned, so that you see an X rather than a cross, and it would have been admired for its likeness to a four leaf clover, rather than the obvious religious connotation with the cross.
The stone is mounted so elegantly and simply, no further embellishment is needed, just a clean bezel mount, open on both sides to show the stone off. Chiastolite continues to be enjoyed today, but this antique, from a very different era, holds undeniable charm, and is a rare piece to find. I hope it brings luck and protection to whoever becomes its new caretaker.
Circa 1850
Chiastolite 9ct rose gold
Stamped 9c
4 grams
32 × 16.5 × 4mm not including the bale
Excellent, light surface scratching/marks to gold commensurate with age
