Damaskos Archaic 18K Gold Pendant with Spira

The Damaskos Archaic Pendant is defined by the Spira — a spiral motif that appears across ancient Greek artifacts and is among the oldest continuous symbols in Hellenic culture. Here it is rendered in polished 18K gold against a hand-hammered martillé background, creating a deliberate tension between matte texture and reflective line.

The martillé finish is achieved by striking the gold surface repeatedly with a small hammer, producing a fine, velvety texture that scatters light rather than reflecting it directly. Granulation — the application of tiny gold spheres using a heat-fusion technique developed in antiquity — frames and anchors the Spira detail. No solder is used in traditional granulation; the bond is metallurgical, achieved through controlled heat and a copper-salt compound. The pendant weighs 5.50 grams and is made in 18K gold throughout.

Damaskos is an Athens-based atelier that has worked within the goldsmithing traditions of ancient Greece for decades, producing pieces for collectors and institutions. The Spira motif carries a specific meaning in Greek culture — continuity, renewal, and forward motion — and the pendant is designed to be worn daily or reserved for significant occasions. It arrives ready to hang on a chain and pairs with the Damaskos fine chain collection.