Rock Crystal Pendant: 12th century, mounted in 16th century AD
The cameo with Christ Pantokrator (Ruler of the World) is carved of rock crystal. Such jewels were made into small pendants called encolpia which were used as inset ornaments for bible covers, or on diadems. The 16th-century mount is of silver gilt.
All known Byzantine cameos show holy subjects. Rock crystal was regarded as an especially pure stone (congealed ice) and was highly suitable for the subject. This is an especially beautiful example of Byzantine gem-cutting, clearly valued long after it was made.
