Size: 5/8 inch Material: Sterling silver This small medal shows the Virgin Mary and Christ child standing on an anchor, which is a symbol for faith, with the sea in the background. The edges of the medal are made to look like coiled rope. The reverse of the medal has the initials NDG for Notre Dame de la Gard which is a basilica dedicated to Mary overlooking the harbor of Marseilles, France. Stella Maris is an ancient title for the Virgin Mary. Stella Maris is Latin for "Star of the Sea". Stella Maris is also a name for the the North Star, Polaris, which has served as a navigational marker for mariners for centuries. Just as the North Star has guided sailors, Mary has guided Christians throughout the storms of life. In the 12th century St Bernard of Clairvaux wrote, "If the winds of temptation arise; If you are driven upon the rocks of tribulation look to the star, call on Mary; If you are tossed upon the waves of pride, of ambition, of envy, of rivalry, look to the star, call on Mary. Should anger, or avarice, or fleshly desire violently assail the frail vessel of your soul, look at the star, call upon Mary." It was cast in sterling silver from an antique medal in the Rosa Mystica Collection so it shows all the beauty and history of the original piece. It comes with a matching holy card in an organza gift bag, ready for gift-giving, and was made in the USA. IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL BUYERS OUTSIDE THE USA: -Delivery of your package typically takes 2 weeks but can take up to 4 to 6 weeks. - Charges such as Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs Fees, Duties, Handling Charges, or other charges imposed by your country when you import goods are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are between you and your country and are your responsibility. - Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. - These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight or shipping company, or when you pick the item up. Please don't confuse these costs for additional shipping charges.