Necklace with Lion Pendant, United States

Tiny shield on a fine chain, with a lion face keeping watch.

This necklace with lion pendant is from the United States, and is contemporary. It is sterling silver, bronze & marcasite. The lion has been used as a symbol of strength and courage in many cultures, and appears in jewelry, heraldry and sculpture around the world. Slim chain of small links carries a shield-shaped pendant with a beaded edge. A lion face with a mane sits at its center, worked in raised detail. The metal is bright silvery grey with darker lines in the recesses. It is 1 inches long, 0.25 deep and 1.75 high.

Small enough to be discreet, fierce enough to mean it.