Damaskos Byzantine 18K Gold Necklace with Diamond

This Byzantine necklace is built around contrast: a matte, velvety martillé surface set against a hammered gold detail that catches light as the piece moves. A single 1.80mm diamond sits at the center — present, but restrained — while the overall design remains rooted in the architectural geometry of Byzantine goldsmithing.

The necklace is handcrafted in 18K gold at the Damaskos atelier in Athens. The martillé finish is achieved by hand-working the metal surface to produce a fine, granular texture — a technique that predates industrial finishing and cannot be replicated by machine. Twisted wire and granulation — the process of fusing tiny gold spheres directly onto the surface — are layered throughout, referencing goldsmithing methods developed in ancient Greece and refined through centuries of Byzantine practice. The piece weighs 31.80 grams and features a diamond accent totaling 0.05 carats.

Damaskos has operated as an independent atelier in Athens for decades, producing jewelry by hand using techniques passed through direct apprenticeship. This necklace is designed to wear as a daily piece or alongside other Damaskos works — it pairs directly with coordinating bracelet, earring, and ring designs from the same collection. Also available in all gold for those who prefer a single-metal finish.