Vintage Italian 925 Sterling Silver Vermeil Franciscan Tau Cross Shield Pendant/ Clip / Earring – Hallmarked 291 AR (SICAM SpA)
This is a beautifully preserved, finely crafted piece of vintage Italian religious jewelry made of 925 sterling silver with a vermeil (gold-plated) finish.
The front features a prominent shield design depicting a Christian cross nested above a traditional Franciscan Tau Cross (T), symbolizing peace and humility.
The reverse features a secure, tension-based curved hook mechanism and a small integrated top loop, making it highly versatile for use as a specialized clip, garment fastener, rosary medal attachment, or unique earring.
This was most likely used as a Pendant most recently. It has a hoop on the top to easily attach to a chain.
Hallmark & Authenticity Diagnostics This piece features exceptional, crisp hallmarks that pinpoint its exact historical origin in Arezzo, Italy (the jewelry capital of Tuscany):
925: Standard international guarantee for solid sterling silver.
★ 291 AR: Official post-1968 Italian registry hallmark. 291 is the unique manufacturer code for the renowned industrial metallurgical firm SICAM SpA, and AR represents the province of Arezzo.
SICAM SPA: Stamped maker's mark identifying the elite Italian refining and manufacturing house.
Size: Delicate and highly collectible; measures just under 1 inch (approximately 23 mm) in total height. Please see gallery photos against the grid matrix for precise scale.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautiful, warm patina to the metal. The vermeil finish shows classic age-appropriate character. The tension mechanism remains tight and fully functional.
