Large Victorian Vauxhall Glass Maltese Brooch & Pendant

This is a very striking piece of jewellery. It is a Maltese cross and was made circa 1840. It has been set with Vauxhall glass. These lovely reflective glass jewels continued to be produced through the end of the Georgian era (1830), the entire Regency period (1830-1837) and well into the late Victorian age. They were the perfect affordable alternative to expensive gems in precious metal settings. The reverse is brass that has been ‘japanned’ with a coating of black lacquer.