Crux : Antique Southern Cross Brooch with Green Tourmalines in 9ct Rose Gold

♥Sold♥

This highly collectable celestial brooch is made in the shape of the Southern Cross constellation, also known as Crux. Circa 1901, likely Australian in origin and set with vivid natural blue green tourmalines.

The Southern Cross has been an important constellation for people of the Southern Hemisphere for longer than I can imagine – at least 50 000 years. There are many, many Dreaming stories about these stars. The Kaurna people of the Adelaide plains (where I live in Australia) know this constellation as Wirltu, the claw of the great celestial eagle, who carries your soul into the Milky Way, where you will join your ancestors.

After colonisation the federation of Australian states and territories popped the southern cross on the Australian flag and it was co-opted as a symbol of the new Australia. You’ll also find the southern cross on the flags of New Zealand (Aotearoa), Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Brazil. This constellation has been an important navigational aid for people sailing the southern seas over the ages.

Manufacture:
Handmade in 9ct rose gold, hallmarked with a 9 to the back of the brooch.

The five vivid, natural blue green tourmaline gemstones vary slightly in hue, with one being more olive in colour than the others. They have been verified as natural tourmalines by an independent gemologist. Each of the gemstones is held in a coronet setting.
The tourmalines range in size from 5.6mm diameter to 3.9mm diameter.

The brooch measures 40.7mm x 28mm x 4mm – not including the c-clasp and pin.
Weighs 2.55 grams

Condition: 
In excellent antique condition with minimal signs of wear. A fascinating conversation starter, ready to win you an abundance of compliments.