Russian Imperial Gold Enamel Cross Pendant,hallmark 56 With Kokoshnik And Inscribed Bless Save

This elaborately shaped, premium quality handcrafted cross is finely enamelled with a Crucifix and engraved with stylized swirling leaves and a zigzag border. Such enamel crosses were popular at the end of the 19th century and were mainly produced by St. Petersburg jewelers. This is an outstanding cross pendant. It is larger in size than similar crosses of that period, the shape is very unusual and the quality of the enamel is outstanding. Length without ring - 1 7/8 in. (48mm). The Cyrillic abbreviation on the white glazed parchment on the upper arm of the cross stands for: JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS The cross is marked on the reverse with 56 zolotnik old Russian gold standard (14K) and the initials of the maker Cyrillic "P.V."