For Reference ✠ Antique Maltese Lace Comparison of Golden Silk Thread & Ivory Tone

An antique Maltese lace piece from Italy, circa 1860-1910.

Originating from the Mediterranean island of Malta, this exquisite piece features a pale golden hue.
Crafted using dozens of Maltese bobbins, it is intricately woven with extremely fine, lustrous, and shimmering egg-yolk colored silk threads.
This handmade, slightly oval round doily boasts a beautiful, radiant golden silk.

Measuring approximately 18.3-17.5 cm in diameter and weighing just over 5g, it is incredibly light and airy.
The intense golden color rivals that of real gold, with a smooth, divine, and glossy finish.

The centerpiece features the Maltese symbol, the Maltese Cross ✠, intricately woven.
If my count is correct, 19 small flowers encircle the cross, with 35 flowers adorning the rim.
The design is floral, with bridges spanning across the spaces.

Each thread is a bundle of extremely fine strands, showcasing a surprising softness and delicate beauty.

While there are no stains or dirt, there are some distortions and irregularities in the shape and weave.
Areas with thin threads, a slight fuzziness or raised nap, knots from thread ends, and fraying from thread tips are visible on both the front and back.
This piece is recommended for those who do not mind these characteristics.

Maltese lace, a specialty craft from Malta when it was a British territory, was praised as a jewel of silk.
It is said that most of it was purchased by British royalty, nobles, and the wealthy.
Even those who spent their entire life's earnings could not afford a single small piece of lace.

The Maltese Cross, shaped like four leaves, is often compared to a four-leaf clover.
Its actual characteristic is having eight points.
Four V-shaped crests join at the base, with the tips of the V's pointing inward to form the points.

Originally, it was the symbol of the small republic of Amalfi in the 11th century.
Later, it was adopted as the symbol of the Knights of Malta (Knights of St. John of Jerusalem), a Christian knightly order based on the island of Malta (one of the three major knightly orders of medieval Europe).
The order's mission was to protect Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land and also functioned as a hospital.
Eventually, they became a major force in defending the Holy Land and fighting against the Islamic forces.

The eight points symbolize the eight virtues of a knight, and are also said to represent the eight homelands of the heroes who gathered to join the order.
The noble spirit of pride and virtue is reflected in numerous prestigious honors.

The front and back have been photographed alternately, and it is so beautiful that it is difficult to distinguish between them.
For those who will cherish it ✠

An ivory-colored piece for comparison with the images below:
Antique Maltese Lace Beautiful Ecru 75cm Magnificent Large Round Doily

Also available:
Antique Maltese Lace Maltese Bobbin Silk Shawl Maltese Cross ✠ Scarf