21K-22K High Purity Yellow Gold Crucifix Pendant
Religious Medal / Pendant · Yellow Gold. The intense buttery color suggests a very low alloy content of copper or silver, maintaining the natural warmth of high-purity gold.
Purity: Likely 21K (87.5%) or 22K (91.6%). The deep, saturated yellow hue is characteristic of high-karat gold common in Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, or Indian jewelry. It appears to be solid gold rather than plated.
Type
Religious Medal / Pendant
Purity
Likely 21K (87.5%) or 22K (91.6%). The deep, saturated yellow hue is characteristic of high-karat gold common in Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, or Indian jewelry. It appears to be solid gold rather than plated.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold. The intense buttery color suggests a very low alloy content of copper or silver, maintaining the natural warmth of high-purity gold.
Weight
Estimated 3.0 to 5.0 grams. The item appears to have a die-struck hollow or semi-hollow construction given the raised borders, making it lighter than a solid cast piece of similar dimensions.
Description
A high-karat yellow gold crucifix pendant featuring a raised corpus on a cross with beveled, tiered edges. The rich, vibrant yellow tone indicates high purity gold, making it both a religious token and a store of value. The design balances traditional Catholic iconography with a sharp, geometric frame.
Key Features
Raised tiered borders on the cross arms, distinct high-purity yellow color, and a detailed relief of the corpus. The contrast between matte and polished surfaces is a key diagnostic feature of quality gold work.
Color & Finish
Rich, deep yellow color with a combination of satin/matte textures on the cross arms and a higher polish on the beveled edges and the corpus (figure of Christ).
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks are clearly visible from the front. They are likely located on the reverse side or on the jump ring (bail). Characteristic stamps would be '21K', '916', or '875' depending on the regional origin.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 25mm to 35mm in height (excluding bail) and 18mm to 22mm in width. It is a standard-sized pendant suitable for a medium-width chain.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The design relies entirely on the gold's luster and the relief of the crucifix figure.
Clasp & Closure
Simple gold jump ring (bail). It appears to be an open-loop style which would be threaded onto a chain. The bail shows minor signs of wear/flattening.
Chain & Links
N/A (Pendant only). The pendant is designed for a cable or rope chain with a thickness of 1mm to 2mm.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck construction. The cross arms are likely stamped from a gold sheet and the corpus is soldered onto the center. The beveled edges show precise mechanical finishing.
Authentication Indicators
The deep yellow color is very difficult to replicate with plating, which often appears 'brassy' or overly orange. The soft rounding of the bail suggests the density of high-karat gold. Proper testing via XRF or specific gravity is required for confirmation.
Origin & Maker
Likely Southeast Asian (e.g., Philippines, Thailand) or Middle Eastern (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia) based on the high-karat color and the specific die-struck architectural style of the cross.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Modern Era. While the iconography is traditional, the precision of the beveled edges and the style of the jump ring suggest late 20th century to contemporary production.
Age Estimate
Likely produced between 1990 and the present. The crispness of the geometric lines suggests modern die-striking techniques.
Cultural Significance
The crucifix is the primary symbol of the Christian faith. In many cultures, high-karat gold religious pendants are given as gifts for baptisms, confirmations, or weddings as a form of portable wealth and protection.
Condition Notes
Very Good. There are minor surface scratches and slight deformation of the bail (jump ring) consistent with light wear. No significant dents or structural damage are visible.
Value Estimate
Primarily based on gold spot price. Calculated as [Weight in grams] x [0.875 or 0.916] x [Current Spot Gold Price/gram], plus a 10-20% craftsmanship premium. Retail replacement would be significantly higher.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. High-karat gold is soft and scratches easily; store separately from harder jewelry (like diamonds or 14K gold) to avoid abrasion.
Similar Items
14K Italian Gold Cross (lighter in color, usually more durable), 24K PAMP Suisse Cross (more orange and much softer), or gold-filled devotional medals (which would show wear on the edges).
Interesting Facts
High-karat gold (21K-24K) is often referred to as 'investment jewelry' in many cultures because it is traded closer to its actual melt value than lower-karat 10K or 14K fashion jewelry.