Reliquary; Spain or Italy, XVIII- XIX century.

Locket; Spain or Italy, XVIII- XIX century.
Silver, semiprecious stones and carved rock crystal.
It presents loss in the base.
Measurements. 20 x 10 x 7 cm.
Reliquary of Spanish or Italian origin, dated between the XVIII and XIX centuries, made of gilded silver, semiprecious stones, among which turquoise, garnets, amethysts and topaz, and carved rock crystal, forming a set of remarkable visual richness and deep symbolic significance.
The reliquary takes the form of a radiant monstrance, evoking the Eucharistic sun, symbol of divine light and spiritual presence. In the center, an oval protected by rock crystal houses the relic, possibly a bone or textile fragment, framed by an intricate goldsmith's decoration that suggests a celestial microcosm. Around the central core is a crown of alternating straight and wavy rays, a visual metaphor for the luminous power of faith and the irradiation of the sacred towards the earthly world.
The stem or shaft, richly ornamented with gem-set cabochons, rests on a circular base also decorated with polychrome stones and a carved rock crystal molding. This combination of translucent and metallic materials produces a play of light and reflections that intensifies the devotional effect of the object when it is exposed on the altar or during processions.