Rock Crystal Scallop Pendant and Bead Necklace, Spain 16th–17th century

Rock Crystal Scallop Pendant with Later Gold and Crystal Bead Necklace

Pendant: Spain, 16th–17th century; Necklace: 19th century

Pendant Dimensions: 6.1 × 4.5 cm
Necklace Dimensions: 73 cm long
Bead Dimensions: up to 1.7 cm diameter
Total weight: 186 grams

A finely carved Renaissance rock crystal pendant in the form of a scallop shell, emblematic of Saint James the Greater and the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The shell is skillfully sculpted with radiating ridges and naturalistic curvature, and is centred by a later-added circular gold locket mount with a convex lid of domed rock crystal. The locket opens to reveal a compartment likely intended for a relic, devotional token, or memento.

The pendant has sustained damage in the past, evidenced by an internal fracture now professionally and discreetly restored. The pendant is suspended from a 19th-century faceted rock crystal bead necklace, the graduated spherical beads interspersed with gold links. The suspension loop of the pendant and all associated goldwork also appear to be 19th-century additions, sympathetic in taste but distinct in period from the original pendant.

This object embodies the enduring veneration of pilgrimage and personal devotion, recontextualised in the 19th century within the framework of revivalist aesthetics. The combination of Renaissance pendant and later necklace forms a harmonious devotional jewel of considerable presence and weight.