Ethiopian Necklace with Coptic Cross Amulet

Four-armed cross hangs from a silver snake chain with knobbed finials and tiny orbs.

This necklace with coptic cross amulet is Ethiopian Orthodox, from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 19th or early 20th century. It is coin silver & fine silver. Silversmiths in Ethiopia have often worked melted coins, especially Maria Theresa thalers, into crosses, jewelry and other objects. Pendant cross with broad flaring arms, each ending in small ball tips, and a cluster of cut-out circles at the center. The silvery metal is soft grey with darker recesses. A thin round chain loops above it. It is 2.2 inches long and 3.1 high.

Delicate openwork and a bit of heft where it counts.