French Art Nouveau Catholic Mother-of-Pearl Sterling Silver Cross & Medal Rosary

French Art Nouveau Catholic Mother-of-Pearl Sterling Silver Cross & Medal Rosary This is a century-old antique rosary from France, meticulously crafted from mother-of-pearl. Both the cross and the medal bear the distinct "Crab Hallmark," the official French mark for 800 silver (80% pure silver) since 1838, signifying authentic French precious metal quality and a rich European artisanal legacy. The beads are fashioned from natural mother-of-pearl, finished with a Pillow-cut polish that preserves their substantial texture. Each bead radiates a soft, silken iridescence under the light, revealing nature's own captivating play of color. A special design feature is found on the six larger "Pater" beads in the middle of the strand: delicate silver caps, resembling calyxes or small leaves, adorn both the upper and lower sides of these beads. This intricate embellishment adds an air of elegance and sacredness. The cross and central medal embody the pure aesthetic of Art Nouveau: The heart-shaped medal's front is engraved with the sacred "IHS" monogram of the Heart of Jesus, surrounded by fluid, delicate lilies and vines. The four ends of the cross are designed with a soft, petal-like, multi-lobed circular form (Floret cross), reflecting the romantic artistic sensibility of the late 19th to early 20th centuries, where religious objects were infused with the imagery of natural flora. Created circa the 1890s to 1910s (La Belle Époque), the silver exhibits natural patina, lending it a deep, layered depth and authentic antique charm. Mother-of-pearl inherently possesses a gentle, sacred aura. It is suitable for prayer and display, or can be worn as a classic accessory. Paired with a black coat or dress, it offers an elegant, refined, and timeless look. • Date: Circa 1890s ~ 1910s (La Belle Époque / Art Nouveau Period) • Dimensions: Chain length excluding cross approximately 43.8 cm; Cross approximately 3.5 cm This is a hundred-year-old antique item, wearable for prayer. It bears natural signs of age, such as inherent growth lines in the mother-of-pearl and natural patina on the silver. We invite those who appreciate the character of antique pieces to collect it. The rosary has been cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner. It is suitable for prayer, but being an antique, it may show historical traces. Please consider this before purchasing.