Cross with Mary, the Christ Child, and a cherub

This filigree pendant in the shape of a cross, measuring around 6 x 4 cm, is made of cast iron. In the central medallion, it shows the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, accompanied by a putto, a small angel. Such depictions were used by believers as an expression of their faith and as a symbol of protection. In the 19th century especially, so-called iron investment casting was widespread. This technique allowed even the finest details to be depicted in cast iron. Especially in Germany, the region around Berlin, for example, artistic pieces of jewellery and religious objects were created from this material. Cast iron jewellery rapidly became fashionable, soon even replacing in part the gold jewellery that had been customary up to that point.