Diamond brooch, Circa 1825

Designed as a Maltese cross, set throughout with rose diamonds in a closed back setting, later brooch fitting.

Cf: Harold Newman, "An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry" , Thames and Hudson 1987, for a similar example.

Diamonds bright and lively. Secure clasp to later brooch fitting, additional safety chain. Abrasions and discolouration to mount consistent with age and wear. In good condition.
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The Maltese cross became a popular motif in England during the early 19th Century, greatly popularized by Emma Hamilton, wife to the British envoy to Naples Sir William Hamilton and mistress of Horatio Nelson, after being presented with a Maltese cross by the Tsar in recognition for her charity work in aid of the Maltese under French occupation during the Napoleonic Wars. She was later presented an example embellished with diamonds by Queen Maria Carolina of Naples, sister of the recently executed Queen Marie Antoinette, as an indirect compliment to Horatio Nelson, who was to orchestrate the evacuation of the royal family prior to the French occupation and later assist in quelling the Republican uprising. In 1800 Emma had her portrait painted by Johann Heinrich Schmidt wearing the Maltese cross which was subsequently kept by Horatio Nelson in his cabin on board HMS Victory.