This sterling silver ornament, titled “Journey by Starlight,” was produced by Lunt Silversmiths in 1974 as part of their early Christmas medallion series. Crafted in solid .925 sterling, the piece depicts the Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem, guided by the brilliance of the Star of David. The ornament combines traditional religious symbolism with Lunt’s refined metal artistry.
Design Description — Ornament Front
The ornament is crafted in a unique trefoil, three-lobed shape, resembling a stylized clover or cathedral window. Each lobe frames a different element of the scene while maintaining a cohesive and elegant silhouette.
The Guiding Star of Bethlehem
At the top of the ornament is a large eight-pointed star, rendered in crisp relief.
Long radiant beams stream downward and outward from the star, creating a sense of divine illumination. The star’s rays cross into the upper portion of all three lobes, serving as the visual and symbolic center of the design.
The Holy Family’s Journey
In the left lower lobe:
A figure on a donkey, believed to represent Mary, is shown in simplified yet expressive outline.
Another figure, likely Joseph, walks beside her, holding a staff.
The figures are rendered in clean, graceful lines that blend realism with a serene, almost silhouette-like simplicity. The lightly engraved details—such as the donkey’s head and the folds of the travelers’ cloaks—add subtle depth.
Bethlehem in the Distance
In the right lower lobe:
A cluster of small Middle Eastern-style buildings represents the town of Bethlehem.
Dome-topped rooftops, stacked architectural shapes, and gentle hillside contours are etched into the silver.
This section creates a sense of destination and hope as the Holy Family approaches the town where Christ will be born.
Openwork Silhouette
The ornament features open spaces within the trefoil shape, allowing light to pass through the scene—giving it a luminous, stained-glass-like effect when hung on a tree.
Polished Sterling Finish
The surface is finished to a bright, mirror-like shine, contrasting beautifully with the engraved and recessed details of the figures and town.
Hanging Loop
A sturdy sterling loop at the top allows for ribbon or hook attachment.
Original Packaging
The second image shows the ornament alongside its original Lunt presentation box, which features:
Title: “Journey by Starlight”
Printed prominently in white on a deep blue background, accompanied by scattered stars.
Stylized Bethlehem Landscape
The box artwork echoes the ornament’s theme, with a graphic silhouette of Bethlehem stretching across the bottom.
Labeling
Reads:
“A Christmas Medallion in Lunt Sterling”
The box reflects the early 1970s Lunt design aesthetic—clean, symbolic, and reverent.
Overall Impression
The 1974 Lunt “Journey by Starlight” sterling ornament is a beautiful expression of the Biblical Christmas story, featuring:
A radiant Star of Bethlehem guiding the way
The Holy Family traveling toward Bethlehem
A stylized townscape in the distance
A rare trefoil silhouette
Crisp sterling engraving and openwork
Original themed packaging
This early Lunt design stands out for its symbolism, artistry, and distinctive form. It remains a highly collectible and meaningful sterling Christmas ornament.
Creator:
Lunt Silver (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 1 in (2.54 cm)Diameter: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1974
Condition:
Excellent
This sterling silver ornament, titled “Journey by Starlight,” was produced by Lunt Silversmiths in 1974 as part of their early Christmas medallion series. Crafted in solid .925 sterling, the piece depicts the Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem, guided by the brilliance of the Star of David. The ornament combines traditional religious symbolism with Lunt’s refined metal artistry.
Design Description — Ornament Front
The ornament is crafted in a unique trefoil, three-lobed shape, resembling a stylized clover or cathedral window. Each lobe frames a different element of the scene while maintaining a cohesive and elegant silhouette.
The Guiding Star of Bethlehem
At the top of the ornament is a large eight-pointed star, rendered in crisp relief.
Long radiant beams stream downward and outward from the star, creating a sense of divine illumination. The star’s rays cross into the upper portion of all three lobes, serving as the visual and symbolic center of the design.
The Holy Family’s Journey
In the left lower lobe:
A figure on a donkey, believed to represent Mary, is shown in simplified yet expressive outline.
Another figure, likely Joseph, walks beside her, holding a staff.
The figures are rendered in clean, graceful lines that blend realism with a serene, almost silhouette-like simplicity. The lightly engraved details—such as the donkey’s head and the folds of the travelers’ cloaks—add subtle depth.
Bethlehem in the Distance
In the right lower lobe:
A cluster of small Middle Eastern-style buildings represents the town of Bethlehem.
Dome-topped rooftops, stacked architectural shapes, and gentle hillside contours are etched into the silver.
This section creates a sense of destination and hope as the Holy Family approaches the town where Christ will be born.
Openwork Silhouette
The ornament features open spaces within the trefoil shape, allowing light to pass through the scene—giving it a luminous, stained-glass-like effect when hung on a tree.
Polished Sterling Finish
The surface is finished to a bright, mirror-like shine, contrasting beautifully with the engraved and recessed details of the figures and town.
Hanging Loop
A sturdy sterling loop at the top allows for ribbon or hook attachment.
Original Packaging
The second image shows the ornament alongside its original Lunt presentation box, which features:
Title: “Journey by Starlight”
Printed prominently in white on a deep blue background, accompanied by scattered stars.
Stylized Bethlehem Landscape
The box artwork echoes the ornament’s theme, with a graphic silhouette of Bethlehem stretching across the bottom.
Labeling
Reads:
“A Christmas Medallion in Lunt Sterling”
The box reflects the early 1970s Lunt design aesthetic—clean, symbolic, and reverent.
Overall Impression
The 1974 Lunt “Journey by Starlight” sterling ornament is a beautiful expression of the Biblical Christmas story, featuring:
A radiant Star of Bethlehem guiding the way
The Holy Family traveling toward Bethlehem
A stylized townscape in the distance
A rare trefoil silhouette
Crisp sterling engraving and openwork
Original themed packaging
This early Lunt design stands out for its symbolism, artistry, and distinctive form. It remains a highly collectible and meaningful sterling Christmas ornament.
Creator:
Lunt Silver (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 1 in (2.54 cm)Diameter: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1974
Condition:
Excellent
Image 1 of 5
Image 2 of 5
Image 3 of 5
Image 4 of 5
Image 5 of 5