Post Medieval Gemstone with Herakles

The hoop formed as a barleytwist band with incised frond detailing; rectangular bezel with frame enclosing a hatch field with reserved image of St Christopher bearing the infant Jesus, supporting himself with a staff. 7.50 grams, 22.05 mm overall, 19.41 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Suffolk, UK, gentleman.

Cross botonny with suspension loop, ring-and-dot to centre of obverse. 18.3 grams, 50 mm



From an old Lincoln, UK, collection, 1950s-1970s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.

The pectoral cross, also called the neck cross, is much smaller in the Orthodox Ethiopian world (and in general in all Orthodox world) than both the processional and the priests' cross. These crosses, secured by a blue string or cord, adorn the necks of the faithful. Many people receive their pectoral cross at baptism. They are made from a range of materials: bronze, silver, iron, horn, and occasionally gold. The richness of ornaments and the complex structure of Ethiopian crosses give a picture of an extraordinary culture, that of one of the world’s oldest Christian societies. The ornaments and forms of the crosses of Ethiopia are unique and instantly recognisable.

Each a tapering D-section heelband, short shank and straight rowel box with remains of an articulated eight-armed rowel; one with attachment locket. 95 grams total, 11-11.8 cm



From the collection of a Buckinghamshire, UK, collector established from the earlier 1960s.