Ethiopian Necklace with Coptic Cross Amulet

An eight-pointed silver star hangs below a smaller cross, both studded with tiny domes like rivets on a shield.

This necklace with a Coptic cross amulet is Ethiopian Orthodox, from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 19th or early 20th century. It is butter amber, coin silver and fine silver. Crosses are central to Ethiopian Orthodox devotion and are commonly worn, with local designs that vary widely from region to region. The pendant pairs a small four-armed element above a broad star, joined by a short tube and trimmed with applied dots. The strand alternates chunky amber beads, honey and cream in tone, with round silver spacers. It is 24 inches long.

Faith, worn with some sparkle and a good deal of weight.