Openwork Cross Pendant with Christ in 18K Gold

An openwork cross in 18K gold with the figure of Christ at its center — frame and figure, in one piece.

An openwork cross frames negative space; a cross with Christ centers a figure inside the cross form. This pendant combines both: the cross outline rendered in cutout 18K yellow gold, with the figure of Christ rising at the intersection — frame and figure as a single composition.

The openwork construction lets the surrounding light pass through the cross, while the Christ figure remains solid and three-dimensional at the center. The two elements register at different distances: the cross outline at conversational range, the figure when the pendant is examined closely.

At 0.5 grams, the pendant is light despite its sculptural complexity — the openwork removes the metal that the figure adds back. A piece that uses both subtraction and addition.

Ricca Jewelry. 18K gold. The cross, framing the figure.