This 10k gold Victorian pendant is made in repoussé fashion, exhibiting older variations of popular religious iconography. The medallion is constructed from two pieces, each with the image pounded into the piece. The two parts were then soldered together, forming a two-sided oval medallion with a hollow center. On one side of the medallion is Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a classic icon of the Virgin Mary, typically depicted with the archangels Gabriel and Michael. The image of Our Lady of Perpetual help dates back to the 14th or 15th century; she is known for divine intervention, interceding in moments of crisis, and physical and emotional healing. On the other side is the Sacred Heart of Jesus—an image of Jesus holding a heart in his hands, symbolic of “God’s boundless and passionate love for mankind.” The pendant has tight detail and sculptural bas relief, containing two of the most powerful symbols for asking for help. The nose of both Jesus and the Virgin Mary has been worn down from over 100 years of use—we imagine from someone rubbing the medallion as they prayed.
The pendant measures 1 1/2” x 1 1/16” and is approximately 1/4” thick. It hangs from a 6.8 x 3.8 mm bail. It weighs 6.7 grams. Acid tests as 10k gold.
