silver Byzantine reliquary cross circa 5th-8th century CE/AD with 7mm ruby
The silver Cross was made during the truly first parts of the Christian faith during the Roman Byzantine era. It was called A relic we cross because it would have contained an object such as a piece of wood from a cross or a bone from a saint or even a piece of cloth from a high Church official. This was so the wearer could always feel closer to God. Originally it did not have a 7 mm Burmese Ruby. I decided to embellish it by adding a round hinges bronze clasp. Then Out of respect I've added my own little piece in the middle of the clasp that represents the blood of christ. The cross is solid silver and is extremely rare considering the majority of them are almost always made in bronze. I have a feeling that this was made especially for somebody of importance in mind and given as a gift. But just like almost all of my artifacts, it's all part of the story that continues with every person that owns it.