Incredible Georgian Era Antique Cut Steel Maltese Cross Pendant Necklace

Incredible Georgian period (late 1700s, early 1800s) cut steel maltese cross pendant necklace with sterling silver chain. Just as the name suggests, "cut steel" was a type of jewelry invented during the Georgian era that was made with hand-cut polished steel faceted studs. As each individual stud and facet had to be hand cut and riveted, this was a very labor intensive process of jewelry making. Unlike the machine-made jewelry of today, Georgian cut steel has a sharpness and intensity to it that simply can not be reproduced. Each handmade stud glimmers in the light like a set of diamonds.  As there was no electricity during the 1700s and 1800s, cut steel jewelry was made strategically as to reflect maximum light. Designed in the style of a Maltese cross, this rare pendant features a central setting of 9 faceted studs along with a large oval shaped stud at the very top. Each side of the cross features a hand cut central triangle steel piece that reflects light beautifully. As it's tr