BYZANTINE ROCK CRYSTAL CROSS PENDANT DECORATED WITH A GARNET IN A GOLD FRAME

Ca. AD 500 - 700. An extraordinary cross-shaped pendant made of rock crystal in a conical shape, with the widest part facing outwards, joined by a 21 ct gold bezel enclosing a circular garnet. At the ends of the crystal arms are gold end pieces decorated with filigree arranged in circles. An object of great value that was made and used by a prominent figure in the capital of Constantinople. it could be a high prelate or even a person from the imperial family. The refined decorations and precious materials of this object came from specialised workshops that were almost certainly located in the capital at that time. The taste is strictly from the eastern part of the empire. This cross may also have been made as a gift between people of the highest social standing, perhaps even between emperors and kings. This piece has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This piece comes with an authentication report by Sami Fortune, ancient jewellery specialist. Size: 50mm x 33mm; Weight: 12g Provenance: Private Central London collection; ex. UK art market 1990s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.