At LWSilver, I recently had the honour of creating a handmade silver pectorial cross for an archpriest from the Parish of Elizabeth in Wallasey. This bespoke commission was a large and detailed piece, requiring many hours of traditional silversmithing and intricate handwork.
The design centres around a striking enamel cross, framed with a carefully crafted solid silver surround. The piece was built around the customer’s own gemstone a beautiful amethyst, chosen for its rich colour and personal meaning. Alongside this central stone, several semi-precious gemstones were set into the design, creating a balanced and vibrant composition.
Every part of the cross was handmade in silver, allowing each element to be carefully shaped and fitted. The result is a bold and meaningful bespoke pectoral cross, combining traditional craftsmanship with colourful stonework and enamel detail. Creating custom ecclesiastical jewellery like this is always a privilege, particularly when the piece will be worn as part of a priest’s ministry.
The Tradition of the Russian Orthodox Pectoral Cross
The archpriest kindly shared some insight into the history and significance of these crosses within the Russian Orthodox tradition:
“In the Russian Orthodox tradition, priests wear a pectoral cross over the cassock (Riassa) and liturgical vestments a practice going back centuries. The gold nagrudny krest was first awarded by Tsar Paul I in 1797 to experienced priests, often silver-gilt with the Tsar’s monogram.
Gold crosses are typically given after about twelve years of service, while jewelled crosses are reserved for senior priests chosen as deans or future bishops. In 1896, Tsar Nicholas II decreed that all priests wear a three-bar silver cross from ordination until receiving the gold cross. The back is often inscribed with St Paul’s words to St Timothy: “Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).
In the Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia, crosses technically belong to the bishop and are returned when new crosses are bestowed.”
Paul – Archpriest
Handmade Silver Pectoral Cross
Take a closer look at a few images of this bespoke handmade silver pectoral cross, featuring enamel, amethyst, and semi-precious stones, created for an archpriest in Wallasey.
OUR APPROACH AT LWSILVER
Learning more about the history of the Orthodox
pectoral cross added an even deeper layer of meaning to the piece while I was making it.
At LWSilver we specialise in handmade silver jewellery, bespoke crosses, and custom ecclesiastical silverwork, creating unique pieces that combine traditional techniques with personal symbolism. It was a real privilege to create this custom jewelled pectoral cross for an archpriest serving the community in Wallasey.
What one of our valued customers say
“I am delighted with LWSIlver’s craftsmanship of this very unique cross. Every detail, from the silverwork to the placement of the stones is beautiful. I wear this with great pride in the ministry.”
Archpriest Paul, Parish of Elizabeth, Wallasey
For more information
Contact us today at mail@lwsilver.com and let us bring new life into your old pieces.
More of our commission pieces
Most of LWSilver pieces are unique, here are just a few commissioned pieces
More of our commissions
Most of LWSilver pieces are unique, here are just a few commissioned pieces
