Pendant Antique Italian Papal 22K Gold Micro Mosaic Cross Pendant, Vatican Marked, c.1850s–1860s






She has 15 years' auction experience, specialising in vintage jewellery from 1920 to 2000.
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Unisex antique Italian Papal 22K gold micro mosaic cross pendant, Vatican marked, dating to c.1850s–1860s, weighing 23 g, with a reverse glass compartment and no laboratory report.
Description from the seller
A rare and historically significant mid-19th century Italian cross pendant, meticulously crafted in 22 karat yellow gold and intricately decorated with fine micro mosaic work. Made in the Papal workshops of the Vatican, the pendant is stamped with the Vatican mark—denoting its origin from ecclesiastical ateliers under direct Papal patronage.
The cross features a highly detailed micro mosaic scene at its centre, depicting two cherubic angel heads amid clouds, flanked by intricate star-pointed terminals adorned with Christian iconography and floral motifs. The craftsmanship is extraordinary, with thousands of minute tesserae forming vibrant patterns in rich blues, whites, and reds. A large, ridged gold bail with fine beading accommodates a substantial chain or cord.
The reverse is closed with a protective glass compartment (original to the piece), likely intended for a relic or devotional image, preserving its devotional function.
Specifications:
Origin: Papal Workshops, Vatican
Date: c.1850s–1860s
Metal: 22K yellow gold (marked)
Decoration: Hand-set glass micro mosaic
Dimensions: 7.5 × 5.6 cm
Weight: 23 grams
Markings: Vatican Papal mark (visible under magnification)
Condition Report:
Very good antique condition. Minor surface wear and light patina consistent with age. Micro mosaic work is well-preserved and vivid. Reverse glass compartment intact.
* Mozeris Luxury is run by Mozeris Fine Antiques
* All items are cleaned and inspected before being dispatched.
* Item will be safely and securely packaged and shipped within one to two working days.
* Please note: customs and import charges may apply for international buyers, bidders are responsible for any customs duties fees.
* Shipping price includes express delivery service (one to two working days), full insurance, and packaging.
* If the winning bidder decides to cancel the purchase, they will bear the risk, and cost of all shipping and return import duties of the seller.
A rare and historically significant mid-19th century Italian cross pendant, meticulously crafted in 22 karat yellow gold and intricately decorated with fine micro mosaic work. Made in the Papal workshops of the Vatican, the pendant is stamped with the Vatican mark—denoting its origin from ecclesiastical ateliers under direct Papal patronage.
The cross features a highly detailed micro mosaic scene at its centre, depicting two cherubic angel heads amid clouds, flanked by intricate star-pointed terminals adorned with Christian iconography and floral motifs. The craftsmanship is extraordinary, with thousands of minute tesserae forming vibrant patterns in rich blues, whites, and reds. A large, ridged gold bail with fine beading accommodates a substantial chain or cord.
The reverse is closed with a protective glass compartment (original to the piece), likely intended for a relic or devotional image, preserving its devotional function.
Specifications:
Origin: Papal Workshops, Vatican
Date: c.1850s–1860s
Metal: 22K yellow gold (marked)
Decoration: Hand-set glass micro mosaic
Dimensions: 7.5 × 5.6 cm
Weight: 23 grams
Markings: Vatican Papal mark (visible under magnification)
Condition Report:
Very good antique condition. Minor surface wear and light patina consistent with age. Micro mosaic work is well-preserved and vivid. Reverse glass compartment intact.
* Mozeris Luxury is run by Mozeris Fine Antiques
* All items are cleaned and inspected before being dispatched.
* Item will be safely and securely packaged and shipped within one to two working days.
* Please note: customs and import charges may apply for international buyers, bidders are responsible for any customs duties fees.
* Shipping price includes express delivery service (one to two working days), full insurance, and packaging.
* If the winning bidder decides to cancel the purchase, they will bear the risk, and cost of all shipping and return import duties of the seller.
Details
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every object in line with our submission guidelines. While we strive to provide a detailed description and photographs of each jewellery object, discrepancies or inaccuracies may occur. It is your responsibility to review all of the information provided about an object, including the condition and description, before placing an order. Sellers are responsible for the information, pictures and description provided, including the quality, quantity and nature of the jewelry supplied. A small imperfection that cannot be seen in the photo but is included in the description is not a non-conformity. A Lab Report is not a guarantee, valuation or appraisal regarding the articles described therein. A Lab Report contains only the characteristics of an article described after it has been graded, tested, examined, and analyzed using the techniques and equipment used at the time of the examination from that specific Lab. The results of any other examination performed on the article may differ depending when, how, by whom and with which grading standard the article is examined. In addition, any changes and improvements in techniques and equipment that may have occurred which may enable the examiner to detect, among other things, the use of processes for altering the characteristics of an article which use was previously undetectable, does not automatically mean the object does not conform to its description.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every object in line with our submission guidelines. While we strive to provide a detailed description and photographs of each jewellery object, discrepancies or inaccuracies may occur. It is your responsibility to review all of the information provided about an object, including the condition and description, before placing an order. Sellers are responsible for the information, pictures and description provided, including the quality, quantity and nature of the jewelry supplied. A small imperfection that cannot be seen in the photo but is included in the description is not a non-conformity. A Lab Report is not a guarantee, valuation or appraisal regarding the articles described therein. A Lab Report contains only the characteristics of an article described after it has been graded, tested, examined, and analyzed using the techniques and equipment used at the time of the examination from that specific Lab. The results of any other examination performed on the article may differ depending when, how, by whom and with which grading standard the article is examined. In addition, any changes and improvements in techniques and equipment that may have occurred which may enable the examiner to detect, among other things, the use of processes for altering the characteristics of an article which use was previously undetectable, does not automatically mean the object does not conform to its description.
