What Am I Collecting These Days?

Not much! I am trying hard to keep focused on downsizing and not acquiring, but I have one area, one exception, one little weakness where I will indulge myself occasionally.

It started innocently enough over two decades ago when I saw this large sterling silver, amethyst and pearl cross in a catalog. This was before the days of internet shopping when many of us delighted in those glossy catalogs we received in the mail. To place an order we called the company with our credit card in hand or mailed a check with an order form to the company. It all feels a bit quaint now.

I thought the cross was beautiful (and affordable) so I bought it and I still wear it. Crosses like this “Nicky Butler-esque” one make me feel like I’m wearing the crown jewels!

But what I didn’t realize at the time was that this cross planted a seed and soon I found myself looking for other big crosses. Once internet shopping became a thing, it got much easier and I bought a few more. But this was a collection to be worn and not kept in a drawer so if I found that if I wasn’t wearing one, it went bye-bye.

As time went on what I was drawn to evolved and included more ethnic pieces. Here are two of my favorites. The gem-encrusted cross is a Mexican piece in the style of Matilde Poulat whose elaborate designs (signed MATL) feature amethyst, coral and turquoise set in sterling silver. The simple signed Native American cross is set with lovely green turquoise.

My Mexican pendant was made by designer Cecilia Tono in the mid-20th century. The other cross is likely Navajo, but I have not been able to identity the designer–possibly Arnold Maloney, Melissa Yazzie or Mildred Parkhurst. (Art-amerindien is my go-to website.)

This large stone-laden cross is likely an unsigned Nakai piece. I don’t wear it too often because it’s rather heavy at 63 grams. Still I love to display it.

My latest purchase was a 4″ vintage silver Ethiopian coptic cross. The seller didn’t know it’s exact age, but said that it had been in his family for 30 years and that it was unmarked silver. (It tests for at least coin silver.)

I am enchanted by the primitive design of these hand-crafted crosses. The older ones were made from 18th century Austrian Maria Theresa Thaler coins (.833 silver) which was, strangely, a preferred form of currency in Ethiopia till 1935.

I am not looking to buy anymore…but of course one never knows!

If you’re looking to buy your own big cross I have a variety for sale in my Etsy store which includes a stunning Nicky Butler piece.