Chain-Gaitan
17th–18th century
Vital to the festive costume were items of jewelry such as silver bracelets and rings and several rows of amber beads. A maiden would wear several crosses around her neck, and the whole attire could weigh around forty kilograms…
There are many types of crosses known to Russian Orthodoxy. Small body crosses are worn on the chest; Priests wear pectoral crosses on chains above their clothes; communion crosses are used in church services.
Four-pointed “prosperity” crosses are the most exquisite, epitomizing “the tree of life and the light of Christian teaching, the symbol of Life’s victory over Death”. “Prosperity” crosses were decorated with detailed, graphic plant designs. Both sides are covered with different shades of translucent enamel, fine freshwater pearls, mother-of-pearl and semi-precious stones. All this creates a chiaroscuro effect.
Crosses were hung from the neck on delicate chains of up to 120 cm in length. The gold, silver and bronze chains were decorations in themselves.