A striking antique cross carved from luminous, milky mother-of-pearl, set with a finely worked solid silver corpus and end caps. Hallmarked on the bail, this 19th century piece has survived the years without a scratch, carrying with it the refinement of old French religious silversmithing.
Product Details
- Type: Cross pendant / crucifix
- Period: 19th century
- Material: Mother-of-pearl and hallmarked solid silver
- Dimensions: 98.9 mm x 57 mm (3.89 x 2.24 in)
- Origin: France
- Condition: Excellent, no losses or visible cracks
The Details That Tell a Story
The body of the cross, cut from thick, glowing mother-of-pearl, sets off a carefully modeled corpus — the drape of the perizonium, the position of the arms, the delicate facial features — the mark of attentive craftsmanship. The four silver end caps, decorated with scrollwork and small openwork arcading, finish each arm of the cross with a silversmith's precision. The raised INRI cartouche completes the piece's strong stylistic unity.
The style sits firmly within the neo-gothic revival so favored in 19th century religious silverwork: arcading, scrollwork and lace-like finishing recall sacred architecture, while the choice of mother-of-pearl — a noble material long tied to devotional and pilgrimage objects — gives the piece an understated, timeless elegance.
Style & Use
Worn as a pendant on a long chain, this cross stands beautifully on its own as a statement piece. It's equally at home displayed as a devotional object or collector's item, in a cabinet or on a wall.
Who This Is For
This cross speaks to collectors of antique religious jewelry, lovers of 19th century silverwork, and anyone seeking a devotional piece rich in history and authenticity.
Why You'll Love It
Its exceptional state of preservation, the quality of its hallmarked silver, and the fineness of its execution make it a rare find on the antique jewelry market. Every detail — from the mother-of-pearl to the worked silver — speaks to genuine craftsmanship.
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