Gold accessories of sacred images, crucifix pendant
European Museums, The British MuseumCross-shaped pendant decorated with sacred images
Wealthy Christians often proclaimed their devotion through lavish dress accessories, like the cross-shaped buckle and pendant decorated with sacred images. The disc pendant shows the three Magi bringing gifts to the infant Christ. Some jewelry was thought to hold protective powers. The physician Alexander of Tralles (AD 500s) recommended wearing octagonal jewelry like this tiny reliquary as a cure for colic (abdominal pain).
Images of Christ, the Virgin and saints frequently appeared on Byzantine jewelry like these ear-rings, finger-rings and bracelet. This was in spite of official Christian teaching which disapproved of expensive possessions. Peacocks, shown on the ear-rings and band of the bracelet, were also a popular motif. According to legend their flesh did not decay after death, so early Christians used them as a symbol of eternal life.
AD 300s-1000s, 1949,1203.1. Constantinople, 1980,0708.1. 1983,0704.1. Constantinople, bequeathed by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks, AF.354. Bequeathed Bir Augustus Wollaston Franks, AF.346, 351, 223 and 287; Smyma, Turkey, AF.288
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Cross-shaped pendant decorated with sacred images
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