Catholic Jewelry Appraisal

Religious Icon Pendant

This item is a detailed religious pendant, likely crafted from a base metal, possibly brass or a silver-toned alloy, with gold-toned accents. It features an ornate, shield-like or cartouche-shaped frame with a prominent bale at the top for suspension. The central image, protected by what appears to be a clear resin or glass dome, depicts a religious figure, possibly an angel or saint, with soft, blended colors. The frame is adorned with numerous small, round, light blue or aquamarine-colored stones, approximately 1-2mm in diameter, set individually within prongs around the perimeter of the central image. Some of the stones appear to be missing or discolored, indicating wear consistent with age and use. Directly above the central image, integrated into the bale design, is a stylized cross, possibly a Russian Orthodox cross given its distinct form with three horizontal bars, though it could also be a decorative element. The overall construction suggests a combination of cast and assembled elements. The metal shows signs of wear, including tarnishing and possibly some plating loss, particularly on the raised intricate details. The pendant measures roughly 3-4 cm in height. The craftsmanship appears to be of moderate quality, with some visible imperfections in the stone settings and metal finish, suggesting it may be a manufactured piece rather than a handcrafted artisan piece. The aesthetic points to a possible mid-20th century origin, common for religious devotional items.