Christians used St. Benedict symbol (medal) due to the belief in its power against evil “devil-chasing medal” Original unique design with beautiful details and amazing art work Rare piece, top quality, best craftsmanship, handmade Excellent new condition, weight around 22 to 25 grams, stamped 925 Intricately detailed lines and antique, rustic finish all around Top of ring features one very identifiable symbol of “St Benedict”. A cross, containing the letters C S S M L - N D S MD, initials of the words Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Non [Nunquam?] draco sit mihi dux! ("May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my overlord!"). The large C S P B stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti ("The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict"). All around the cross are the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B, in reference to Vade retro satana: Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas! ("Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!") and finally, located at the top is the word PAX which means "peace” On both size of the ring there is Saint Benedict's image holding a cross in his right hand, the object of his devotion, and in the left his rule for monasteries. The snake's image on both sides of the ring and the poisoned cup are in reference to the legend of Benedict, which explains that hostile monks attempted to poison him. The cup containing poisoned wine shattered when the saint made the sign of the cross over it. There is also a symbol of a crow on both sides of the piece represents the bird that carried off the contaminated portion of loaf to where it could do no harm. The crow then returned St Benedict for its normal feeding.