These two pieces were given by Pope Pius IX to Parisian Lucie Fririon as a wedding gift in 1863.

Lucie Estelle Fririon (born 15 July 1837), daughter of baron Jules-Jacques Fririon and Marie de Belzim of Paris, was married on January 15, 1863 to Charles Félix Alfred Guimberteau de la Maloliere (1830-1883).

The large quatrefoil shape 18K gold pendant (piece no.1) was almost certainly created in the Vatican workshops renowned for their micromosaic work. Originally, the pendant was set with a superbly carved citrine cameo of Madonna.  Later, the cameo was replaced by a large old mine cabochon cut sapphire of a light silver blue color. Presently the cameo is set in an ornate openwork gold bezel (circa 19th century) and mounted as a pendant (piece no.2).

The lobes of the quatrefoil are embellished with micro mosaic panels (tesserae – tiny pieces of colored glass): a cross, an anchor (symbol of Hope), ears of wheat, a cluster of grapes, floral designs, circles, and stars.

Micro mosaic pendants with Alpha and Omega, the first and the last letters of Greek alphabet, are attached to the horizontal lobes of the quatrefoil. Alpha and Omega signify that God remains from the beginning to the end of time. The third mosaic pendant at the bottom of the quatrefoil depicts a flaming heart pierced by a sword. The flaming heart symbolizes Mary’s love for Jesus, the sword represents Her sorrow at Jesus’ suffering.

The back of the quatrefoil is enameled with the following inscription in French: ” DONNE PAR SS LE PAPE PIE IX A LUCIE FRIRION – 15 JANVIER 1863″.

The cabochon sapphire measures 26.28 x 18.01 x 14.21 mm and is approximately 72 carats.

The detachable gold bail with a clasp is a modern addition.

Size (without bail) is 85 x 57 mm (3 5/16 x 2 1/4 in.)

Weight is 48.41 grams.

The pendant with cameo measures (without bail) 42 x 33 mm (1 11/16 x 1 3/8 in.)

Size of the citrine cameo is 27.44 x 19.32 x 10.21 mm.

Weight is 19.53 grams.