Vermeil Sterling Silver Madonna Pendent Medal by Giovanni Raspini
Jewelry (Pendant/Medal) · Giovanni Raspini, a premium Italian silversmith founded in 1972 in Arezzo, Tuscany, known for 'animalier' and high-relief figurative works using lost-wax casting.
Pattern: Religious Medals Collection; specifically the Byzantine-style Madonna with Crown.
Type
Jewelry (Pendant/Medal)
Maker
Giovanni Raspini, a premium Italian silversmith founded in 1972 in Arezzo, Tuscany, known for 'animalier' and high-relief figurative works using lost-wax casting.
Material
Vermeil (Sterling Silver with gold plating). The base is .925 sterling silver, indicated by the typical gold-to-silver wear profile.
Dimensions
Approx. 35-40mm in diameter; estimated weight 15-22 grams. Standard large oversized medal format.
Description
A stunning example of Italian jewelry art, this vermeil medal depicts a melancholic, Byzantine-inspired Madonna. The heavy relief and textured golden surface create a play of light that mimics ancient ecclesiastical artifacts.
Key Features
Stylized 'GR' hallmark on the obverse face; beaded 'dotted' rim; thick sculptural profile; high-purity gold vermeil plating.
Material & Composition
Vermeil (Sterling Silver with gold plating). The base is .925 sterling silver, indicated by the typical gold-to-silver wear profile.
Finish & Decoration
Satin gold finish with high-relief (repoussé style) casting. Features a crowned Virgin Mary with a halo, beaded border, and hand-chased texture in the background.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'GR' logo (distinctive double-chevron or stylized monogram) is visible on the front right. Reverse likely contains '925' and '1 AR' (Arezzo province mark).
Construction Details
Lost-wax casting (fusione a cera persa) rather than die-striking, giving it a more organic, artistic sculptural depth.
Functional Features
Fixed integrated bail (loop) at the top for suspension on a chain or silk cord.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Pendant loop is integrated into the cast body).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality artisan casting; the background texture and hair details show significant hand-finishing work post-cast.
Authentication Indicators
Consistency of the 'GR' signature mark; known catalogs of Giovanni Raspini's religious pendant line; typical Arezzo casting quality.
Origin & Manufacturing
Arezzo, Italy; manufactured in the Raspini workshop in the Tuscan countryside near Valdichiana.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern Italian (Late 20th to Early 21st Century), drawing on Romanesque and Byzantine religious iconography.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present day; the style and maker's mark are consistent with Raspini’s current production era.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Italian tradition of the 'Devotional Medal' which evolved from wearable protection into high-fashion statement jewelry.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Excellent. Slight softening of the gold plate on high points (forehead/nose) revealing the silver beneath, common in pre-owned vermeil.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on retail vs. secondary market and current price of silver/gold.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical 'dips' which strip gold plating. Clean with a soft damp cloth or silver polishing cloth ONLY on the silver back; avoid abrasive rubbing on the gold face.
Similar Pieces
Dolce & Gabbana religious pendants (more ornate/gem-set); UnoAErre medals (typically die-struck/flatter); Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Virgin medals (minimalist).
Interesting Facts
Giovanni Raspini is often called 'the architect of silver' and his pieces are frequently used in Italian cinema and high-fashion editorials.