6th C. Byzantine Gold Cross w/ Garnet Cabochon

Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine empire, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A lovely 89% gold (equivalent to 21K+) cross pendant with solid conical arms presenting hexagonal faceted sides that taper slightly as they meet at the circular bezel housing a wine red garnet cabochon. An integral loop is attached on the top of the arm for suspension. 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 perhaps created for an elite individual to display both wealth and religious devotion. Strung on a modern cord with a silver-plated lobster clasp to be wearable. Size of pendant: 1.06" W x 1.18" H (2.7 cm x 3 cm); cord: 19.5" L (49.5 cm); gold quality: 89% (equivalent to 21K+); total weight: 10 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, but 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.

Cf. an ornate example that hammered for $10,575 at Christie's, New York "Ancient Jewelry" auction (sale 9826, December 5, 2001, lot 143).

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Bel Air, Maryland, USA collection, acquired October 23, 2020; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000

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#168374
Condition Report: Minor surface wear commensurate with age, otherwise intact and excellent. Strung on a modern cord with a modern silver-plated lobster clasp to be wearable.