Victorian Etruscan Revival (circa 1880’s) gold cross pendant. This cross epitomizes the Etruscan Revival style with its use of granulation and bloomed gold. It has a Byzantine look to it, by design, especially with the use of the Chi-Rho symbol. Chi-Rho is one of the oldest Christian symbols. It is a monogram of the 1st and second letters of the Greek word for Christ: X and P. Here, you’ll also see the use of alpha and omega, symbolizing infinity, as they are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The Chi-Rho was the imperial emblem of the Emperor Constantine. This cross was possibly a Grand Tour souvenir. As the Victorians were enraptured with all things Rome and Roman, they also liked to merge their own English, Christian faith with references to the ancient world, so this cross would have made a wonderful status symbol for a wealthy Victorian. There is an open locket compartment at back. It is substantial enough in size to be a statement piece and is the kind of gorgeous antique Chanel was channeling when she designed her crosses.
15-18k gold
weighs 8 grams
4mm thick
measures 1 ½ by 1 ½ inches
Victorian Etruscan Revival (circa 1880’s) gold cross pendant. This cross epitomizes the Etruscan Revival style with its use of granulation and bloomed gold. It has a Byzantine look to it, by design, especially with the use of the Chi-Rho symbol. Chi-Rho is one of the oldest Christian symbols. It is a monogram of the 1st and second letters of the Greek word for Christ: X and P. Here, you’ll also see the use of alpha and omega, symbolizing infinity, as they are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The Chi-Rho was the imperial emblem of the Emperor Constantine. This cross was possibly a Grand Tour souvenir. As the Victorians were enraptured with all things Rome and Roman, they also liked to merge their own English, Christian faith with references to the ancient world, so this cross would have made a wonderful status symbol for a wealthy Victorian. There is an open locket compartment at back. It is substantial enough in size to be a statement piece and is the kind of gorgeous antique Chanel was channeling when she designed her crosses.
15-18k gold
weighs 8 grams
4mm thick
measures 1 ½ by 1 ½ inches
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