Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine empire, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A remarkable 98.1% (over 23 karat) gold pendant in the form of a Greek, or equal-armed, cross with a circular glass inlay at its center, boasting a translucent hue of bright pink, and 4 rectangular strips of verdant green glass for each of its arms. A thick golden suspension loop protrudes from the top. Alternatively, the base is adorned with a petite blue barrel bead of glass topped with a braided gold ring. The religious art from this time period reflected Christian beliefs, and the cross replaced the previous Roman Christogram, becoming a widespread religious symbol during the Byzantine empire. This gold pendant was likely created for an elite individual to display both wealth and religious devotion. Strung on a modern cord with a lobster clap to be wearable. Size (pendant): 0.75" W x 1.125" H (1.9 cm x 2.9 cm); (necklace cord): 22" L (55.9 cm); quality of gold: 98.1% (equivalent to 23K+); total weight: 2.5 grams
The Byzantine period was a time of intense religiosity and immense wealth devoted to religion. On the backdrop of the Crusades and the split between the Eastern and Western branches of the Church, religious jewelry like this played a significant role. Not only did it symbolize one's status, it also served as a diplomatic tool. Interestingly, Emperor Justinian established laws (later called the Justinian Code) that among other things regulated the wearing of jewelry. He stated that sapphires, pearls, and emeralds were reserved for the emperor; however, every free man was actually entitled to wear a gold ring. This suggests widespread popularity of jewelry, and indeed, wealth abounded in the Byzantine Empire, there were gold mines within its borders, making gold more easily accessible.
Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, acquired in the late 1990s; ex-Kamyas Antiques
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#158995
Condition
Strung on modern cord. Intact and excellent with lovely earthen deposits throughout.