Antique Two-Part Silver Pearl Garnet Pendant

This piece is a bit of an enigma to me, I thought at first that it was an Austro-Hungarian piece from the Victorian era, but upon further research, I decided it might be earlier, mid to late 1700s even. The style of the metalwork and the way that the blister pearls are set made me think so, but the garnets are full cuts and not flat cuts, so I went back to my first guess of a Victorian piece. I try the best I can to provide information on the items that I sell, but sometimes the clues are too few. Set in silver and gold washed at the back, it exudes a timeless allure that transcends the ages. At its heart lies a cross, collett set with natural blister pearls, each one a unique testament to the wonders of nature. Adorning its edges are closed-backed, old cut garnets, their rich rosy color casting a warm glow that captivates the eye and warms the soul. Measuring 65 mm north to south and 36.6 mm across at its widest point, this pendant is a statement piece that commands attention with its