Damaskos Byzantine 18K Gold Constantinato with Turquoise – Double Sided 2g

The Constantinato is a specific cross form rooted in Byzantine tradition — distinct from a standard cross pendant in both iconography and intent. This piece is double-sided: one face carries the inscription ‘ICXC NIKA’ alongside a round turquoise stone, while the reverse depicts Constantine the Great and Saint Helen in low relief. Both faces are finished with a sandblasted matte surface that gives the gold a quiet, non-reflective depth.

The pendant is handcrafted in 18K gold and weighs approximately 2 grams — light enough for daily wear, substantial enough in presence. The sandblasted finish is applied after forming, dulling the surface uniformly so that the engraved details read clearly against the matte ground. The turquoise is set flush, chosen for the chromatic contrast it creates against the warm gold. All work is completed by hand in the Damaskos workshop in Athens.

Damaskos has produced Byzantine and ancient Greek-inspired jewelry in Athens for decades, working within goldsmithing traditions that predate modern manufacturing. The Constantinato holds a specific place in Greek culture — historically given to infants as a protective charm, it carries layered meaning that extends beyond ornament. It is worn as a daily piece, passed between generations, or given to mark a significant occasion. Also available with alternative stone settings.