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Pendant
unknown - Enlarge image
Pendant
- Place of origin:
Europe (north, made)
- Date:
1580-1600 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Gold, set with hog-back diamonds
- Museum number:
M.248-1923
- Gallery location:
Jewellery, room 91, case 52, shelf B, box 4
This pendant is in the shape of the monogram IHS. A cross rises from the central letter. The gold letters are set with hogback diamonds. The upper part of each of these long stones is shaped like an inverted V with, in this case, a flat table (top) facet. Three diamond-set nails representing those used in the Crucifixion are suspended from a short chain The back of the jewel is enamelled with representations of the symbols of Christ's Passion.
The sacred monogram IHS is derived from the Greek word for Jesus. IHS jewels were very popular throughout Europe from the 15th to 17th centuries and frequently occur in portraits. This pendant is said to have belonged to William Howard, Viscount Stafford. He was beheaded in 1680 for his alleged part in the Popish Plot to kill the Protestant king Charles II.
