Vintage Nun? Antique Art Nouveau Jugendstil Necklace Sterling Silver Rosary INRI. Shipped with USPS First Class.

Mary Ethel inscribed on back

 This necklace was handmade during the Art Nouveau era. Composed of .925 sterling silver, the rosary necklace features a beautiful beaded chain, the image of St. Mary, and a crucifix with Jugendstil inspired accents. The Jugendstil movement arose in parallel with the Art Nouveau era, and like this era, emphasized jewelry designs which expressed the beauty and wonder of nature, as well as incorporating geometric elements.This necklace features a chain made up of sterling silver beads which would traditionally be used to assist with prayer recitations. At the bottom the necklace is a small sterling silver disk which depicts St. Mary on one side and an image of Jesus with his arms open on the other. Dropping from this disk is the crucifix, which features the figure of Jesus as well as Jugendstil inspired curling leaf patterns at the ends of the cross. Above Jesus are the letters "INRI" which is an abbreviation of the Latin "Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum," translated as "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."Completing this long rosary necklace is a spring ring clasp for comfortable and secure wear. When worn, this necklace dangles down the chest with the pendant resting just above the waist on most people. The necklace can also be worn in a more traditional way wrapped around the hand during prayer. A beautiful example of Jugendstil styled Catholic jewelry, this rosary necklace would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection.