Byzantine "Five Wounds of Christ" Cross Necklace

Please Note: This is an authentic ancient Byzantine Cross, and you will receive the exact Cross in the photographs and description.

Size Including Bail: 3/4" Across, 1 1/2" Tall - the Width of a U.S. Nickel

This Byzantine Cross was formed by the hands of an artisan almost 1,000 years ago — a small, sacred object that once hung close to the heart of a believer. Crafted in bronze and carried through the rhythms of medieval life, it witnessed the challenges, hopes, and daily devotions of its first owner… and may have accompanied its wearer through a lifetime of prayer, travel, struggle, triumph or pilgrimage — a constant reminder of Christ’s protection.

In Byzantium, faith was the heartbeat of the empire. Every aspect of life — from the laws of emperors to the humblest household — echoed with devotion. And among the most cherished personal objects were simple bronze crosses like this one, worn by Crusaders, pilgrims, clergy, and everyday townsfolk seeking daily blessing.

Today, after centuries buried in the earth, it has been gently restored to life in our Conservation Lab — not altered, only revealed — so it can continue its quiet, powerful story with the next guardian who wears it.

NOTE: We have added the bronze loops you see at the top of the Cross so you are able to wear it with chains or leather up to 5mm in width. We are happy to remove the loops if you request. Please see the description below for the size of the original bail hole. This Byzantine Cross comes complete with a 22" 3mm center-hide leather cord. 

The Medieval Byzantine Cross Pendant

• Empire: Byzantine
• Date: circa 700 - 1,000 AD
  
• Metal: Bronze
• Size Including Bail: 3/4" Across, 1 1/2" Tall - The Width of a U.S. Nickel
• Cord: 22" 3mm Center Hide Leather Cord with Stainless Steel Findings
• Bail: This Cross has an intact original bail with a 1.5 mm opening. Originally it would have been attached to a loop for wearing. We have added bronze loops to the cross very similar to what the original would have been, which accommodate up to a 5mm chain or leather cord. These loops can be removed at your request.

April's Notes: This Cross is beautiful in hand. When we received it, it was heavily encrusted. Robert gently restored it to its original condition. When you hold it, you can see it was worn for many years by a faithful believer. It is now ready to be worn again, many hundreds of years after it was first hand crafted.

Many Byzantine crosses bear the dot-in-circle design, a symbolic representation of the Five Wounds of Christ. To medieval believers, these marks were more than decoration — they were reminders of Christ’s suffering, sacrifice, and unending protection.

Each dot signified one of the sacred wounds, while the encircling ring represented eternity. To wear this symbol was to carry Christ’s love close to one’s heart, trusting His wounds to guard, guide, and sanctify the wearer. It transformed an everyday cross into a deeply personal emblem of devotion and divine shelter.

A Note on Patinas: Each one of these precious ancient artifacts is hand-conserved and stabilized in our Conservation Lab. Some Byzantine Crosses have a rich, green patina due to their centuries under ground, while other Crosses display the glowing bronze patina that they had while they were in use millennia ago.  

 Your Byzantine Cross Necklace Comes Complete with:

1. A detailed, three-Page, full color, Certificate of Authenticity that includes the History and Meaning of the Byzantine Cross, customized with the picture of your Cross researched and written by April Knecht
2. The Treasure Hunters Gazette
3. 22" 3mm Center-Hide Leather Cord with Stainless Steel Findings
4. A Mini Museum Display for When You are not Wearing Your Treasure
5. A Treasure Jewelry Care Card