18K Yellow Gold Miniature Crucifix Pendant
Pendant (Religious Medal/Crucifix) · Yellow Gold (High-karat saturated tone, alloyed with silver and copper).
Purity: 18K (750 fineness), representing 75% pure gold content and 25% alloy metals.
Type
Pendant (Religious Medal/Crucifix)
Purity
18K (750 fineness), representing 75% pure gold content and 25% alloy metals.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (High-karat saturated tone, alloyed with silver and copper).
Weight
Estimated 1.5 to 2.5 grams; appears solid or heavy-gauge sheet construction.
Description
A classic 18K yellow gold crucifix pendant featuring a high-relief corpus of Jesus Christ mounted on a polished flat-edged cross. The piece balances devotional significance with luxury materials, offering a radiant luster characteristic of high-karat gold.
Key Features
High-relief three-dimensional corpus, integrated tapered bail, and beveled edges on the cross arms.
Color & Finish
Deep buttery yellow with a high-polish finish on the bail and raised corpus, showing soft natural patina in crevices.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible on front; likely stamped 750 or 18K on the reverse side or the interior of the bail.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 15-20mm in height (excluding bail), standard petite size.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features a raised relief corpus of Christ in yellow gold.
Clasp & Closure
Fixed tapered bail (loop) designed to slide onto a chain; requires a spring ring or lobster claw from a secondary necklace.
Chain & Links
N/A; item is a pendant. The bail is smooth-walled and polished.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision lost-wax casting with professional hand-finishing and polishing on the raised surfaces.
Authentication Indicators
The rich, saturated yellow color is consistent with 18K+ purity; the lack of base-metal 'brassing' at high points suggests solid gold construction.
Origin & Maker
Likely of Italian or Spanish manufacture, typical of high-quality religious jewelry ateliers.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern (late 20th century to present), following traditional Catholic iconography.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2020; design is timeless but the bail construction suggests modern casting.
Cultural Significance
A primary symbol of the Christian faith, specifically Roman Catholicism, often given as a gift for Sacraments like Confirmation or Baptism.
Condition Notes
Very Good; light surface micro-scratching consistent with gentle wear, no significant dents or deforming.
Value Estimate
Resale value primarily based on melt value (approx. $90-$150 depending on weight) plus a 20-30% premium for craftsmanship.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid polishing cloths with harsh abrasives that could wear down the fine details of the corpus.
Similar Items
14K Hollow Crucifix (lighter, paler color), 24K Gold Plain Cross (more orange hue, no figure), Gold Vermeil Crucifix (silver base).
Interesting Facts
The Crucifix differs from a plain cross by representing the corpus; in gold jewelry, this specific style became highly popular in Mediterranean cultures during the mid-20th century.