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Religious discoveries in The Garden of Adin

We would like to explain a little bit about the variations in our collection of antique French provincial jewellery. Most of these pieces are inspired by religion, which is not surprising given the influence of the church over the past centuries. Every province of France had a distinct dress code, each with its own specific jewellery.

The quality of our collection is truly museum-worthy, yet eminently wearable. Just imagine wearing a piece of jewellery that has witnessed two, or even three, centuries of history.

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Croix Boulonnaise

Circa 1770

18th Century French cross in filigree gold with good readable hallmarks from the antique jewelry collection of Adin Antique Jewelry, Antwerp, Belgium

This type of cross is part of the adornment worn by wealthy married women along the coast between Boulogne and Dunkirk in France. These crosses are recognised by the shell motifs, which evoke the pilgrimage to Saint Jacques de Compostelle. The filigree work harks back to its distant Spanish origin.

Croix Normande

Circa 1819-1830

Early Victorian rose cut diamonds cross from the antique jewelry collection of Adin Antique Jewelry, Antwerp, Belgium

This cross pendant is both a religious symbol and a marker of regional identity. When worn with a specific costume, it also signifies social status. The size and abundance of materials used in its composition reflect the wealth of its wearer.

Croix Viroles

Circa 1750-1790

Pre Victorian gold rose cut diamonds cross from the antique jewelry collection of Adin Antique Jewelry, Antwerp, Belgium

This cross belongs to the rare group of French Provincial gold cross pendants made at the end of the 18th century (circa 1790). It was purchased and worn by wealthy provincial French women. These jewels rarely contained diamonds, which were predominantly reserved by jewellers for the nobility.

This very cross from our collection is featured in the famous book Georgian Jewellery 1714-1830, page 152.

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Croix Badinne

Circa 1838-1850

French Victorian cross with garnets from the antique jewelry collection of Adin Antique Jewelry, Antwerp, Belgium

This cross was the most typical and traditional cross made in Roussillon, France, usually tied around the neck with a silk or velvet ribbon. The shape of this jewel was developed by Catalan goldsmiths in the late 17th century. It was worn during the Empire and Restoration periods and is depicted in the portrait of Elizabeth Campagnac.

Today, French regional crosses are very rare, unlike the variety that existed in the past. Most of these crosses are now kept in museums or private collections.

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