A MAN has bought the 'UK's biggest' gold cross chain for his late nan after spotting it in the window of a bullion dealer.
Andreo Montanino, 33, bought the 9ct gold belcher chain in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, in hope to save it from being scrapped.
According to Nottinghamshire Live, the huge 1.5 kg chain is set to go to auction on Thursday 22 September and is expected to raise £30,000.
The chain is thought to be the biggest in the UK with its 21cm 9ct gold crucifix weighing 316.7gms, which is longer than an average adult male hand which is 19.3cm.
And one of the 28 13mm links, the chain is made up of, is hallmarked ‘Sheffield 1997 JH & S’.
Mr Montanino, from Trowell, Nottinghamshire, lost his highly religious grandmother 18 months ago and couldn't bare to see the piece melted down.
He told Nottinghamshire Live: “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."
He added: “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."
He bought the gold cross chain around three months ago and hopes heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury will save it from being scrapped.
Mr Montanino said: “I hope bringing it to auction will help me find someone who will treasure it. Because it’s so special, a showpiece.
He continued: "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"
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."
He hopes that the chain will find a good home because that is what his nan, who was heavily involved with the Italian community, would have wanted.
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