Gloria Rosaries: Wonderful Works of Art

Here are two versions of a similar rosary assembly made by Gloria on two different rosaries. Gloria rosaries are fairly common and very popular among collectors in the US and Canada. They offer some of the richest and most beautiful styles; definitely the type of rosaries that would be given at weddings, first communions, baptism, and other special occasions. I am always excited when I find a Gloria rosary.


Here is the assembly of both rosaries viewed from the back. You can see they have been hallmarked by both the "Gloria" makers Mark as well as the "Sterling"mark (though the purity of the silver is not designated). Both of these rosaries have the same the same center medal and very similar crucifixes. Though the center medals are clearly identical, they are not marked the same and the crucifix on the black rosary has a second hallmark on it. It makes me think that they are made by hand and not cast as part of some factory process. Note that the rounded crucifix on the black beaded rosary does NOT have the nails on the back of it so it is common, but not always necessary.
Gloria rosaries also have stamped tags on them though it is very rare to find a rosary with the tag included. You can also see in this picture that the rosary his been restored. Though the silver assembly are orginal, and perhaps the beads, there is clearly a brand new set of chains and links on this black beaded rosary. The red beaded rosary looks as though it is all original assembly, beads, and chains. The medals, as always, are added after the fact.