The Gates of Heaven icon pendant necklace is based on a grand gothic cathedral threshold. It is perhaps the most unusual, lovely and meaningful necklace you will ever find. Wear as a necklace or use as a private miniature alter to the Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven. Exquisitely sculptured and enameled on 14K gold plate. Filigree link chain is stationed with premium crystal beads. Chain length: 36 Inches; Pendant 2.5 x 1.25"
The doors closed are secured by the cross. Lift the cross, and open the gates to reveal the image of the Virgin Mary under clear enamel. Made at Sweet Romance in our Los Angeles studio.
The story...
My Gates of Heaven devotional necklace commemorates the panel of the Virgin Mary as depicted in that c.1428 painting of her in the Ghent Altarpiece. which is part of the Cathedral of St. Bravo.
Since its creation the Ghent altarpiece has been considered one of the masterpieces of European art and a world treasure. Over the centuries the panels have come close to being destroyed during outbreaks of war and ideological controversies. They were moved and damaged by fire, while some were sold, and still others taken during wars. All the panels were finally returned to the Cathedral of Saint Bavo, Ghent, Belgium following World War I. Attributed to the work of Jan van Eyck and completed in 1432, the altarpiece later had enormous influence in the art of Levina Teerlinc, who became a portrait painter for Queen Elizabeth I and the first woman to hold such a high position in the royal court of England.