The owner of the 'UK's biggest' gold crucifix necklace is putting it up for auction and hopes Tyson Fury will give it a new home. Nottinghamshire man Andreo Montarino bought the giant cross and chain as it reminded him of his late nan.
His grandmother, who died 18 months ago, was deeply religious. And as she would have hated to see it melted down, Andreo hopes a boxer like Tyson Fury or a rapper will buy it and wear it with pride.
As reported by Nottinghamshire Live, Andreo bought the item in Birmingham ’s Jewellery Quarter after spotting it in the window of a bullion dealer. He is now putting the 1.5kg necklace up for auction where it is expected to fetch £30,000.
"I was in the right place at the right time," said Andreo. "I found it at a bullion place where people send gold to be scrapped and items are usually processed quickly.
"As soon as I saw that cross, it reminded me of her. I had to buy it for nan.
"I had to save it from being melted down. My nan would have hated that [the jewellery melted down].
"She was highly religious, a Roman Catholic who originated from Italy. She believed items like this, Jesus on the cross, was sacred and should be treated with the utmost respect."
Andreo, who is 33 and from Trowell, bought the item around three months ago and believes it should be bought by someone like Tyson Fury, the Gypsy King. “I hope bringing it to auction will help me find someone who will treasure it.," he said.
"Because it’s so special, a showpiece, it would work well if it was worn around the neck of a famous boxer on the walkout to the ring, someone like Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua. It’s perfect for a sportsman, celebrity or someone from the music world who likes to make a big statement, perhaps a rapper.
"I see it featured on a program like MTV’s Cribs or being bought by a famous basketball or NFL (National Football League) player. No one I have shown it to has ever seen anything like it before. I think it could be the biggest necklace of its kind in the UK."
The 9ct gold belcher chain has 28 13mm links, one hallmarked ‘Sheffield 1997 JH & S’. The 9ct gold crucifix is 316.7gms and 21cm in length, longer than an average adult male hand which is 19.3cm or 7.6ins.
Helen Smith, head of jewellery at Hanson's, said: “I have never seen anything like this, or as big as this, before and we might not see anything like it again. It’s extra special.
"The chain links are huge and quality workmanship has gone into creating the iconic religious imagery of the crucifix. I love that Andreo bought this to honour his nan.
"It certainly deserves to go around the neck of a man who excels in sports or an important celebrity. It’s really heavy so, if you plan to wear it for any length of time, you need to be strong.
"Tyson Fury would be perfect as he is a devout Christian. Like Andreo’s nan, he would appreciate the religious significance and symbolism of the item."
The chain and cross will be up for auction on Thursday, September 22.
