Necklace with cross

Cross-shaped pendants began to appear soon after Christianity became the dominant religion in the Byzantine Empire. This sumptuous example affords an impression of the various techniques then in use. A particularly important role was played by gold filigree – the crafting of fine wire and beads of gold. Here there is filigree decoration on the intersection and the ends of the arms of the cross, which hangs from a chain of plaited gold wire.