Victorian Rustic Branch Cross Pendant with Clinging Ivy and Green Paste Wreath, Circa 1860s-1880s

Naturalistic cross pendant formed as two rough-barked branches, entwined with fine wire tendrils and applied ivy leaves, centered on a wreath of prong-set green paste stones with further green stones on the lower arm. Unmarked metal with a dark, untouched patina.

Crosses made to look like rustic tree branches were a hallmark of mid-Victorian naturalism, when jewelers drew on the Romantic love of nature and the Gothic Revival in church art. The ivy is the key to its meaning: in the Victorian language of flowers ivy stood for fidelity and eternal life, because it stays green through winter and clings to whatever supports it. Wrapped around the cross it carried the message "I cling to thee," the faithful soul holding fast to Christ, echoing the line "simply to thy cross I cling" from the popular hymn Rock of Ages. Such crosses were given as tokens of faith and of love, and were also worn in remembrance of the departed.

Shows age, patina and wear, with one stone missing on the lower arm.