A man who bought the UK's biggest gold crucifix is putting it up for auction, and has offered boxer Tyson Fury first dibs.
Andreo Montanino, 33, bought the chunky 1.5kg treasure in honour of his beloved late nan who was a devout Roman Catholic. He spotted the nine carat 9ins-long cross in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and snapped it up over fears it could be melted down.
He is now selling the cross and chain and hopes gold-loving sports' stars, including boxing heroes Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, might be keen bidders.
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Andreo, who lives in Nottinghamshire, said: “My nan would have hated the idea of the chain being scrapped. She was highly religious, a Roman Catholic who originated from Italy.
“She believed items like this, Jesus on the cross, were sacred and should be treated with the utmost respect. I lost her about 18 months ago. She was in her 80s. 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. I was in the right place at the right time. That was three months ago. Now I hope bringing it to auction will help me find someone who will treasure it.
“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 featuring on a programme like MTV’s Cribs or being bought by a famous basketball or NFL (National Football League) player.
“I think it could be the biggest necklace of its kind in the UK.”
The hefty cross and chain, which together weigh around 1.5kg, will go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers on September 22. The 9ct gold belcher chain has 28 13mm links, one hallmarked ‘Sheffield 1997 JH & S’ and weighs 1,145gms in total.
Helen Smith, Head of Jewellery at Hansons, 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 round the neck of a man who excels in sport or an important celebrity. "
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