Lot 112A
Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine empire, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A gorgeous 97.9% (about 23.5 karat) gold cross pendant presenting 4 cylindrical arms with a large, garnet cabochon set at the center. An integral loop is attached on the top of the arm for suspension, adorned with a pair of petite gold nodules at the front and back. 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. This elegant adornment is additionally strung on a modern cord with a silver-plated lobster claw clasp to be wearable. Size of pendant: 1.6" L x 1.1" W (4.1 cm x 2.8 cm); of strand: 22.25" L (56.5 cm); gold quality: 97.9% (equivalent to over 23 karats); weight: 7.4 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.
A similar Byzantine gold and garnet pendant cross hammered $13,750 (now equivalent to $17,928.22) at Christie's New York on December 8th, 2016 (lot 12, Online Sale 14573 "Ancient Jewelry: Wearable Art").
Provenance: private Nellysford, Virginia, USA collection; ex-senior Smithsonian curator Dr. Richard G. Doty collection, Washington, DC, USA, until 2012
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#188888
- Condition: Byzantine pendant set on modern strand to be wearable. Small hole to top cap of upper arm, as well as some minor indentations and abrasions to pendant, but otherwise intact and excellent with lustrous surface and beautifully preserved garnet cabochon.
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|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |