Victorian era 18K gold snake over a cross pendant
For sale a rare French made, antique 18K gold cross pendant featuring a snake over it. The snake is meticulously enameled in a greenish blue color, which contrasts beautifully with the gold tone of the cross. It is made during the 19th century, the Victorian era. If you are looking for a special gold pendant gift which shows faith and hope, this pendant is sure to become a cherished heirloom.
The cross has an interesting reference to a story in the Old Testament “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believe in Him may not perish but have eternal life.”
In the bronze serpent story, the snakes were afflicting the people by biting and killing them. Therefore, God instructed Moses to lift up a serpent on a pole to be healed by looking at it with faith. Death afflicts us, by biting and killing us; therefore, God, in his love for the world, sent his son to be lifted up on the cross, so that those who believe in him and behold his cross, would have eternal life, because by hanging on the cross he defeated that which afflicts us – death – by His own death.
Measurements and Condition
In overall good condition. Slight traces of use.
A trace of hallmark on the bale of the pendant and it is also acid tested for 18K gold.
Length including the bail: 35mm
Width: 21mm
Weight: 2.69g
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