President's Necklace for Alverno College

President's Necklace, Alverno College

 Designed and created in 2003 by Pat DIACCA Topp, Alverno College alumna, class of 1968.

Closeup

See also Alverno Mace
Closeup of medallion, President's Necklace for Alverno College
The chain is made up of 17 domed Sterling Silver links with the tau cross applied on each, including the center link, which is a hidden box catch. The back of each link contains a Sterling panel upon which the historical names and dates of the previous Presidents of the College appear. The college was founded in 1887 and continues to be a leader in Milwaukee, Wi., U.S.A.

The central medallion is cast in domed fine silver, representing the college seal, and champelevé enameled in lead, bearing enamels mostly blue. The central college seal is superimposed over a stylized sterling tau cross which is the framework holding the bezel-set enamel on top and also the bezel-set enameled copper frame, behind which is used as a color accent for the vibrant blues. The whole medallion is 4" across.

The closeup reveals the history of the medallion or seal of office worn by the head of an educational institution - a practice that dates to the Middle Ages. In those times, a seal was used to mark documents as being official. Possession of the seal was so important that it was usually worn about the neck for safekeeping. Wearing the seal eventually became a symbol of authority.

Topp Shop and Gallery
709 West 5th Street
Marshfield WI 54449

Phone: (715) 384-2627
Fax: (715) 387-6679
email: ptop@tznet.com