Damaskos Byzantine Petal 18K Gold Cross with Rubies

The Damaskos Byzantine Petal Cross is defined by its architectural petal-form arms — a silhouette drawn from Byzantine ecclesiastical metalwork and interpreted in solid 18K gold. It reads as both a devotional object and a considered piece of jewelry, distinct from the plainer crosses in the collection by virtue of its relief detailing and layered surface decoration.

The surface is worked in a martillé finish — a hand-hammering technique that creates a fine, velvety texture across the gold, diffusing light rather than reflecting it sharply. This finish, combined with intricate hand-applied decoration along each arm, reflects the atelier’s commitment to building depth through technique rather than surface polish. The cross weighs 9.1 grams of 18K gold — a substantial, wear-evident weight. Five rubies, totaling 0.055 carats, are set at the cross’s terminals and center, their deep color grounded by the warm tone of the gold.

Damaskos is one of Athens’ few remaining ateliers working in the tradition of Byzantine and Archaic goldsmithing, producing every piece by hand using methods documented in ancient Greek metalwork. This cross is sized and weighted for daily wear but is built to the standard of a piece passed down — a functional object that accumulates meaning over time.