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Directory: Estate Jewelry: Silver: Victorian: Pre 1900: Item # 1490112

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Moylan-Smelkinson/The Spare Room
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P.O. Box 4684
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
tel. 410-435-3738

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The Chi-Rho symbol dates back to the early days of Christianity and is formed by superimposing 2 Greek letters, chi (X) and rho (P), which are the first two letters of the Greek word "Christos", the anointed one, The Greek spelling is Χριστῷ. The Chi Rho as a symbol of Christ was frequented during the time of in the fourth century AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Constantine. The Chi Rho is one of the earliest forms of the Christogram (monogram of Christ) and is formed from the first 2 letters X and P of the Greek word for Christ. The symbol (☧) combines two Greek letters into a symbol that looks like the letter X placed over the stem of the letter P. All of this, including the fact that the Greek letters chi and rho are found at the beginning of Χριστῷ, (Greek for Christ), show the hugely symbolic meaning behind the Chi Rho symbol. While meaningful as a symbol of Christianity, the Chi Rho is particularly relevant to Catholicism. No longer a symbol only revealed secretly, today we see the symbol in architecture, literature, and iconography. Our pendant is backed in silver and the micromosaic reveals with blue sky with flowers and center dove. It is likely the micro mosaic was made by Italian artisans and exported to London to be mounted. The pendant itself is 2 inches while the bale adds an extra ½ an inch. Both chains are available for sale as well.