Praying Hands Pendant Value Guide

This mid-20th century oval pendant is a classic example of American religious jewelry inspired by Albrecht Dürer's 1508 'Study of the Hands of an Apostle'. It combines a distinctive tortoise shell resin aesthetic with ornate gold-toned metalwork, making it a popular devotional collectible from the 1940s-1960s.

What Is Praying Hands Pendant Worth?

The typical price range for Praying Hands Pendant is $20 - $20 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the gold-toned plating, specifically looking for signs of wear or pitting on the hands and border.
• The clarity and preservation of the resin background, as scratches or cloudiness can reduce the $20 market value.
• The presence of the original chain or matching vintage hardware which increases appeal to religious art collectors.
• The intricacy and crispness of the 'Praying Hands' casting, reflecting the quality of the mid-century production.

How to Identify Praying Hands Pendant?

• Look for the characteristic oval shape featuring raised gold-toned praying hands centered on a dark resin background.
• Examine the border for an ornate, decorative gold-toned metal frame typical of mid-century United States manufacturing.
• Verify the material of the background; authentic pieces from this era utilize a tortoise shell patterned resin rather than natural shell.
• Check the reverse side for any manufacturer hallmarks or 'Made in USA' stamps common to religious jewelry of this period.

History of Praying Hands Pendant

The symbol of praying hands gained significant popularity in Christian art and jewelry, largely inspired by Albrecht Dürer's 1508 pen-and-ink drawing 'Study of the Hands of an Apostle'. This iconic image has since been widely reproduced and adapted, becoming a recognizable motif for faith and devotion, especially during the mid-20th century in jewelry and religious artifacts.