Vintage Gold Gilt Silver Filigree Jerusalem Cross Pendant with Blue Stone

A stunning  Jerusalem cross pendant made with exquisite silver filigree and given a gold wash. There is a blue stone in the middle, which I believe is spinel, but I am not sure.

The pendant, marked "Jerusalem 925," is from the 1940s and is in good vintage condition. 

• The length from the top of the bail to the bottom of the cross is 6.5 cm (2 5/8").
• The width is 4.5 cm (1 3/4").
• Weight is 15.5 g.

The Jerusalem Cross, also known as the Crusader's Cross or the Five-Fold Cross, is a distinctive heraldic cross that has its origins in the Christian Crusader states established in the Middle East during the medieval period. It is characterized by a large central cross with four smaller crosses surrounding it, one in each quadrant. The design typically features a larger Greek cross (a cross with arms of equal length) in the center, with four smaller Greek crosses of the same design, one in each quadrant, so that they all intersect at the center.

The symbolism of the Jerusalem Cross is deeply rooted in Christian history and tradition. Each of the five crosses carries its own meaning:

1. The central cross represents Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world and the center of the Christian faith.

2. The four smaller crosses symbolize the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and their spreading of the Christian message to the Earth's four corners.

Over time, the Jerusalem Cross has become a symbol not only of Christianity but also of the city of Jerusalem itself. It is used by various Christian denominations and organizations and is a prominent symbol on flags, coats of arms, and other insignia associated with Jerusalem and the Holy Land.