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Byzantine Gold Cross Pendant with Garnet

Byzantine

Byzantine Gold Cross Pendant with Garnet

A double-sided Byzantine cross pendant whose garnet inset transforms a private jewel into an emblem of faith and protection.

Date
AD 700–1000
Period
Middle Byzantine Period
Material
High-carat gold and garnet
Weight
5.56 g
Dimensions
4 × 3 cm
Condition
Wearable condition; ornamented on both faces

The Story of the Object

Material, Meaning and Survival

As Christianity became central to Byzantine public and private life, sacred imagery entered the intimate world of jewellery. Cross pendants were worn not only as declarations of faith but as protective objects associated with prayer, intercession and personal devotion. Here, the cross-shaped garnet intensifies that meaning through colour, light and precious material.