Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Jane Austen and her Sister, Casssandra's, Crosses

It is said that Jane Austen and her sister, Cassandra, were given crosses by their brother, Charles, as gifts.  The original crosses, shown below, were lovely topaz set in gold.  This is mentioned in a letter from Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra on May 27, 1801.  I've been able to simulate them at a very affordable price and in several colors.  These are as close as you can really get without paying a fortune for a custom order piece, or trying to find an antique that you are afraid to wear.  I am using vintage findings and crystals versus making something new in a cheaper material - they just don't make things like they used to! 

Check out my Etsy shop for those available in brass or silver.

My Yellow Topaz Cross - a repro of Jane's

My reproduction of Cassandra's Cross in a darker topaz

Original Jane and Cassandra Cross
(Information taken from Hermitage 100)