If you’re looking for an amazing antique pendant with old cut stones and candlelight sparkle that doesn’t break the bank then this beauty might be just the one for you. An antique early Victorian Sterling Silver w/ Black Dot Paste Cross pendant.

“Paste” is a special formulation of man-made glass that originated in France in the early 18th century and was created specifically to mimic natural stones. These glass stones were made using large amounts of lead (similar to lead crystals) that would refract in candlelight making them sparkle and shimmer like a natural diamond or colored gemstone and were produced in a wide variety of colors.

One of my favorite aspects of this pendant is the paste-set hinged bail that allows for movement and adds just the right touch of visual balance at the top. The back has a lovely engraved inscription the reads “To Priscilla from WHE” making this is very sentimental piece of history. Measuring 28mm x 55mm (including the bail) it’s a substantially sized piece without being too big to stack with other charms and pendants.