CRUSADER'S CROSS PENDANT NECKLACE, 11TH-13TH CENTURY

1096-1291. Circular, pierced with a cross potent, i.e. with "crutches" at the beam ends. That form is also known as the Crusader's cross, having been an element in the arms of Godfrey Bouillon which he wore during the First Crusade. Godfrey of Bouillon was a Frankish Knight of the First Crusade, known as Baron of the Holy Sepulcher and the Crusader King, ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem following its victorious siege in the First Crusade. For that reason, it is also known as the Jerusalem Cross. This example is profusely detailed with the outer ring crenulated and the beam "crutches" formed by scroll ends and forming a diamond at the beam intersection. It is just under 7/8" in diameter (0.90”) plus the intact suspension loop. Surface heavily degraded from burial. Professionally refurbished with the gold overlay restored, on a modern Sterling silver neck chain. An actual pendant as worn by a crusader nearly 1000 years ago!