This is an extremely rare coffin cross or a relic cross in solid 14k gold.  Inside is a piece of "Timio Xilo" or "Holy Wood" referring to a small piece of wood from the cross of Jesus.  These now very rare and coveted pieces are a long tradition in certain parts of Europe, incasing the tiny piece of wood in wax within the cross meant to guide and protect the owner at all times. 

This cross is from Athens Greece from many many years ago and was given to me by my grandmother.  It was given to her by a monastic priest as these pieces are impossible to find “in the wild”. It had been blessed by him at the monastery and my grandmother took it with her on her pilgrimages to Jerusalem (she went every Easter) and to the Vatican and it was blessed again.

It is about 1 1/4" in length and just shy of 1" across.  Beautiful meaningful Christian piece perfect for comfort and protection.  It is stamped "585", the hallmark for 14k gold in Europe.  The pin that opens the piece has been soldered closed. You will not see another for sale as these are normally not sold but passed down. I need to part with it and want it to bless another home.

Photos are a large part of the description. I try my best to capture each and every item I have and to describe it as best I can.  I obtain information through the estate sale the item was purchased and through research.  I ask you to look at the photos carefully because I may neglect to mention something or I may not notice something that to you may be important.   Most of the items I sell have age to them- it gives them character and history, but also some wear.  Therefore all pieces are sold "as is" as found from the estate.  Sizes and weights are approximate but measured with care and as accurate as possible.  I work hard to research my items but I am not a jeweler or an antiquities expert by any means, and I am not a retail store. I do this because I enjoy finding treasures and I like to pass my finds to people who will truly love them (and if I didn't, I'd be a hoarder and I am really trying to avoid that lol).  If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.  Also, if you have a chance (yes you do lol), please check out my other items. I have been going to a lot of estate sales in my area lately- MA, NH, CT, RI, and NY... and I have been finding a lot of old treasures!  Thanks for looking :)