Georgian Pink Topaz & Rose Diamond Cross With Rose Diamond Set Bale

A beautiful Maltese cross that was made circa 1820. It has been set in silver with rose diamonds that frame the gold mounted and foiled pear shaped pink topaz with a further round pink topaz in the centre.  The reverse is 9ct gold and there is a rose diamond set bale above the cross. Each of the eight points of the cross symbolise one of the eight Beatitudes according to the Gospel of Matthew, as well as one of the eight foundational virtues of the Order: loyalty, piety, honesty, courage, honour and glory, concern for the poor and the sick, and respect for the Church. Such crosses were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and were worn to support the belief.