Exquisite French Religious Antique Santos Crown

The extravagantly large number of inset glass stones give this crown a true regal countenance. It is an authentic antique (NOT reproduction) which originates from Paris and dates towards 1880.

This type of crown is known as a diadem crown, intended to grace statue of the Virgin Mary. The scrolling frame was made from cast gilded bronze within a Parisian atelier which specialized in beautiful religious adornments.

There is a double row of bezel set clear glass stones which make up the band which rests on the head of Mary. Thirty-eight clear glass stones in the channels, reflecting prisms of light. Gilded brass arabesques and scrolls form a wide and elegant design (measuring 2” high at the center and 4” from side to side). There are 43 red, blue and clear glass stones inset into the pattern. A central large oval glass stone is flanked by six large clear glass stones.

There are six slots for adjusting the size of the crown (3 1/2” to 4 1/4” in diameter). The adjusting band is sturdy and sound. The crown is in very good antique condition. The work is of high quality (model number stamped on the side #815) and the crown is heavy for it’s size. It would have been an expensive purchase at the time.

It is a fine example of metal workmanship and a sumptuous piece of religious art.