Beautiful engraved antique or early vintage silver reliquary locket or Teca designed to hold a sacred relic. It opens via an unusual screw mechanism to reveal a lightly gilded box like interior used to house a piece of holy material. This type of mechanism suggests that it is from the early 20th century.

One side of the reliquary depicts the Madonna and Child in Byzantine icon style and the other depicts a crucifix design with four medallions to represent the four Evangelists. Both sides have a beaded border.

This lovely piece of jewellery would look great on a chain to create an unusual and attractive necklace.

It tests positive for silver however there are no hallmarks. This is normal for continental European jewellery.

Container jewellery to house tokens and special items have been around since Egyptian times and the first  “lockets” held medicinal herbs, religious relics, prayers or perfumes. Elizabeth 1 is thought to have owned one of the first sentimental lockets which was a ring depicting tiny portraits of both herself and her mother Anne Boleyn. 

The reliquary measures 3.5m x 2cm (including the bail) and it weighs 10grams.

This unique piece of jewellery may have signs of wear due to its history. It is beautifully imperfect and should be treated with love and care. This locket is in excellent condition.

All Vonk Jewellery is presented in a gift box and pouch with luxe ribbon. If you would like a gift message included please message me at checkout.