BYZANTINE CROSS NECKLACE, C.700-1000 AD

Gilt bronze of archaic form. The cross beam is centered. About 1 3/8” (1.42”) total height. The beams with triple circular terminals formed “crutches” representing five crosses in one and were later adopted by Godfrey of Bouillon, a Frankish Knight of the First Crusade, known as Baron of the Holy Sepulcher and the Crusader King, ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem following its victorious siege in the First Crusade, as the Jerusalem Cross. Both sides with incised circle and dot details. The surface was restored with 24karat gold. On an 18” modern gilt Sterling silver neck chain. Gift boxed with a certificate of authenticity.