Vintage Italian rosary, c. 1950s–1970s. Five decades of black faceted Czech glass beads with an aurora borealis finish

Vintage Italian rosary, c. 1950s–1950sFive decades of black faceted Czech glass beads with an aurora borealis finish — they flash blue, green and purple in the light.

The centrepiece medal is marked S. CHIARA D’ASSISI (St Clare of Assisi), with a classic Italian flared crucifix. Silver tone metal — not tested or hallmarked as silver. Each bead is individually wire-linked, so the whole piece is solid and hangs beautifully.

• Era: mid-century, c. 1950s–1960s

• Origin: Italy (Assisi pilgrimage piece)

• Beads: faceted glass, AB iridescent finish, approx. 6mm

• Condition: very good vintage — all beads present, light age patina to the metal, no breaks

• Sold as pictured — no box included

About this piece

This is a devotional rosary of five decades, each strand of black faceted Czech glass beads wire-linked throughout for durability. The beads catch the light beautifully, their aurora borealis finish throwing flashes of blue, green and purple. The centrepiece bears a medal of St Clare of Assisi — hand-stamped S. CHIARA D’ASSISI — paired with a classically proportioned Italian crucifix, both in silver-toned metal.

The construction is solid; each bead sits on its own wire link, meaning the rosary hangs with a gentle, even drape and will withstand regular use or display. All fifty beads are intact, and whilst the metal shows a light age patina consistent with a piece now several decades old, there are no breaks or losses. A genuine mid-century pilgrim’s souvenir from Assisi, it remains a practical devotional tool and a charming snapshot of Italian religious metalwork and Czech glass craft.