Spanish colonisation of the Philippines was deeply integrated with the spread of the Catholic faith, as both Church and State aligned for the purpose of global conquest. Rosaries with crucifixes became commonplace devotional jewellery. Wealthier clients were able to afford rosaries made of gold, silver and exotic materials such as coral. This rosary reportedly belonged to the donor’s grandaunt, Lina Juana Montilla y Montilla (b. 1906).