"Gold Reliquary Pendant - 17th Century - Spain "
Superb gold reliquary pendant. The upper part is in the shape of a crown. It is set with a garnet cabochon and an emerald cabochon, the third has disappeared. The body of the jewel is circular in shape with fleur-de-lis decoration. Green stones are set in the mass (emeralds?). In the center a window protects the relic. The window is broken and the relic invisible. Often these relics were small pieces of fabric that had “touched” a saint. It is probably present underneath but we cannot see it. The glass cannot be removed. On the back, the jewel is engraved with several motifs including a large fleur-de-lys in the center. In the decorations of the fleur-de-lys, we can see a tiara. Is this a bishop's jewel? Very beautiful work from the late Renaissance. End of the 16th or beginning of the 17th century. Probably a Spanish work. Touchstone tested. High quality gold (over 18k). 8.07g 35x25mm