Vintage Orthodox sterling silver openwork twisted cross

Vintage Orthodox sterling silver openwork twisted cross

On one side of the cross is a depiction of the Crucifixion, and on the other side is an Old Church Slavonic inscription: “Spasi i Sokhrani” (“Save and Protect”).

About this piece

This elegant openwork cross exemplifies the devotional jewellery tradition of the Orthodox faith. Cast in sterling silver, it features a delicate latticed design with scrolling flourishes at each arm, tapering to a fine point at the base—a classic silhouette found in Russian and Eastern European religious pendants from the mid-twentieth century onwards.

One face bears a finely detailed Crucifixion scene; the reverse is inscribed in Old Church Slavonic with “Спаси и Сохрани” (“Save and Protect”), a traditional blessing worn for spiritual protection. The openwork construction keeps the piece remarkably light, and the silver shows gentle wear consistent with regular, cherished wear. It hangs from a simple looped bail. An understated yet meaningful pendant, equally at home as a private devotional piece or layered with other chains.