BYZANTINE BRONZE CROSS - VII / VIII CENTURY

Original Byzantine cross in bronze from VII - VIII Century.

Necklace made of sterling silver. Cross in bronze and set on a sterling silver handcrafted surrounding structure.

Chain length : 50cm 

Cross size : 4 x 3,5cm

 

Made in Georgia

In 529 AD, Emperor Justinian created a new set of laws in order to keep jewellery exclusive – the Justinian Code – regulating the wearing and usage of jewellery.

The cross became a common symbol in Byzantine daily life.

The emperor’s crown featured a cross to symbolise Christ’s sovereign power, and jewellery, in particular necklaces, were adorned with the Byzantine cross. It was also common to use coins as jewellery, making them like portable portraits of the emperor.