Damaskos Byzantine 18K Gold Cross with Rubies

This cross pendant is defined by its martillé finish — a hand-hammering technique applied across the entire 18K gold surface to produce a soft, velvety texture that absorbs and scatters light rather than reflecting it sharply. The result is a warmth and depth that polished gold cannot achieve. Byzantine-style detailing is worked into every edge and intersection of the cross, built up through intricate hand-applied ornament rather than casting.

The pendant is crafted from 18K gold and weighs 20 grams — substantial enough to carry presence on the chest, light enough for daily wear. The martillé finish is applied by hand in the Damaskos atelier, one strike at a time, using small hammer tools that have remained largely unchanged since antiquity. A single round ruby, measuring 2.70 mm and totaling 0.08 carats, is set at the center. Its color sits in deliberate contrast to the warm, matte gold ground around it.

Damaskos is one of Athens’ longest-established goldsmithing houses, working within a lineage of Greek craft that predates the Byzantine period itself. This cross is designed to wear with versatility — its elaborate surface detail reads as both devotional and decorative, pairing with any neckline. It is built to last across generations without requiring the care of more fragile collector pieces.