Gorham Cross Date? Sterling/gold/Amethysts

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Gorham Cross Date? Sterling/gold/Amethysts

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Author	Topic: Gorham Cross Date? Sterling/gold/Amethysts
Kimo Posts: 1627 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 05-21-2003 03:30 PM I have a beautiful Gorham sterling cross with gold wash and 5 faceted amethysts and I would like ask your help in finding the approximate date it would have been made. It is fairly large and measures 3 inches high by 2 inches across and has a great deal of detail in a pattern that reminds me of the celtic designs in the Book of Kells or possibly Scandianvian decorations. Here are some photos of the front, back and side where the markings are. The markings appear to me to be the lion/anchor/G of Gorham, then the word Sterling, then the numbers/letters 40 I2 Here are some photos: IP: Logged
Richard Kurtzman Moderator Posts: 768 Registered: Aug 2000	posted 05-28-2003 06:33 PM Your cross was a standard line piece. I have found it in three separate Gorham catalogs and pamphlets dating from 1915 to 1935. It was probably in production before and beyond this time frame. What make your cross unusual are the amethysts, suggesting that it was custom ordered or altered. I hope this helps. IP: Logged
Kimo Posts: 1627 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 05-28-2003 09:18 PM Thanks Richard! This is very helpful. Is there any indication in any of the catalogs as to whether it came with a gold plating or are they all plain sterling? Your thought about the amethysts being either a special order or an aftermarket jeweler's work are very possible. Perhaps the gold plating was either special order or an aftermarket jeweler's refinement as well? The stones are very professionally matched and set, and the patina on the gold plating on the stone's settings perfectly matches that of the rest of the cross so either it was done at Gorham, or perhaps a jeweler modified the cross and set the stones and plated it with gold all at the same time. Or perhaps there is a catalog out there that shows this one with the stones as a special model for a couple of years though I would imagine that it might have been given a modified model number if that were the case. In any event, this one is very beautiful. Thanks again for helpful information! IP: Logged
Richard Kurtzman Moderator Posts: 768 Registered: Aug 2000	posted 05-28-2003 11:40 PM Some of these standard personal crosses were made in 14kt gold as well as sterling. During this period your model was made only in sterling, There is no mention of gold plating the crosses, but gilding was done on other items. The price of this piece went from $11.50 to $10.50 to $10.00 in 1935. Here is a Gorham photo of indeterminate age showing an 18kt gold cross with jewels. IP: Logged

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