Damaskos Byzantine 18K Gold Pendant with Athena Coin

This pendant centers on a silver coin depicting the head of Athena — goddess of wisdom, justice, and craft, and the deity for whom Athens is named. The coin is framed in 18K gold using a construction that functions as both setting and ornament, with the surrounding metalwork carrying as much visual weight as the coin itself.

The gold surround is finished using three distinct hand techniques: granulation, in which tiny spheres of gold are fused to the surface without solder to create texture and shadow; twisted rope wire, a braiding method that produces a raised, corded border; and a martillé finish, achieved by hand-hammering the gold to produce a softly faceted, velvety surface that catches light differently from every angle. The pendant weighs 12 grams total, with the silver coin accounting for approximately 4.60 grams. The gold is worked in black platinum in select areas, adding tonal contrast to the composition. Gold purity is 18K throughout.

Damaskos is an Athens-based atelier with decades of work in archaeologically grounded goldsmithing. Each piece is made by hand using methods documented in ancient Greek and Byzantine metalwork. This pendant is sized and weighted for daily wear, and is substantial enough to serve as a considered heirloom piece. Note: this pendant is also available in an all-gold version without the silver coin — inquire for details.