This is a 19th century first class Italian Reliquary, meaning it includes things associated with the Life, Passion or Death of Our Lord. First class relics are said to include mortal remains of saints tied with silver and gold thread. Relics were usually created by nuns and then tied with red string and authenticated by the church with a wax seal. This reliquary contains 13 relics and has the wax seal and strings intact. Reliquary measures 2.75" long x 2.25" wide and is set in a sterling frame.