Soviet sterling silver cross

Soviet sterling silver cross

About this piece

A substantial Orthodox crucifix in sterling silver, rendered in the Byzantine tradition with elegant lobed terminals at each arm. The front face depicts Christ in relief, with ornamental detailing to the upper cross-arm and a scrolled, textured base. The reverse is plain and stamped with Cyrillic text—“Спаси и сохрани” (Spasi i sokhrani, “Save and Preserve”)—a traditional Orthodox blessing often inscribed on devotional crosses made during the Soviet era.

The piece shows purposeful patination across the reverse and lower stem, consistent with genuine age and regular wear as a pendant. The silver retains good clarity on the front face, where the relief work remains crisp and defined. The simple wire bail is secure. This is a sincere piece of Orthodox faith jewellery from the mid-to-late Soviet period, substantial enough to wear daily and striking enough to be worn as a statement of heritage or belief.