Black & Gold Maltese Cross Pendant

The Maltese Cross (or the Eight-Pointed Cross) is cross symbol associated with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and was used by Hospitaller Knights in the 15th Century during the Crusades. The eight points of the cross represent the eight lands of origin of the Knights Hospitaller: Auvergne, Provence, France, Aragon, Castille and Portugal, Itlay, Germany, and England (with Scotland and Ireland). This beautiful pendant proudly does this symbol justice, and would be suitable for a wide variety of attire, be it historical or present day. It is made of pewter with a shiny gold alloy exterior giving it the nice color. The black parts of the cross are from a glossy black baked enamel. It measures 5 x 5 cm (or about 2 inches). A genuine leather neck cord is included.