Damaskos Byzantine 18K Gold Constantinato Cross Pendant

The Constantinato is a specific form of Byzantine cross pendant with a precise iconographic program: the ICXC NIKA inscription — Greek for ‘Jesus Christ conquers’ — alongside a polished cross on one face, and portraits of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen on the reverse. It is not a general devotional piece. It carries a defined place in Greek tradition as the protective charm given to newborns, connecting the wearer to a continuous cultural practice that predates modern Greece.

This example is cast in 18K gold and hand-finished with a sandblasted surface that produces a uniform matte texture distinct from the polished Byzantine crosses in the Damaskos range. The contrast between the matte field and any raised relief detail is achieved entirely through hand-finishing — no machine buffing. The pendant weighs approximately 1.9 grams, making it suitable for daily wear on a fine chain.

Damaskos has operated in Athens for decades, producing work grounded in ancient Greek and Byzantine goldsmithing techniques. The Constantinato sits at the intersection of religious iconography and secular tradition — worn by adults as readily as gifted to infants. It functions equally as a personal talisman, a family heirloom, or a considered introduction to Byzantine jewelry for a first-time buyer. Also available in 18K gold with alternate finishing options — contact Brilliant Athens for details.