10-year-old boy stumbles upon a unique Christian multi-gemstone pendant near Jerusalem. Photo

Nehorai Nir, 10, accidentally found a Christian artifact near Jerusalem that could be up to two centuries old. The unique cross is decorated with precious stones.

The boy came across the amazing find during an excursion to Ein Karem, a historic hillside village west of Jerusalem known for its centuries-old holy sites. The village is important in Christianity, as it is the birthplace of John the Baptist, according to Newsweek.

Ein Karem is also identified with an event mentioned in the New Testament known as the Visitation, where the Virgin Mary met her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist at the time.

The cross found by the 10-year-old boy is unique in its decoration, researchers say. It is inlaid with tiny pieces of glass and colorful gems.

According to Nehorai, during the tour he saw a multi-colored object shining in the dirt under his feet. He then picked it up, being very excited about the discovery.

Although the artifact is not legally considered an antique, as it is only 100-200 years old, it is a "unique" object, according to Amit Re'em, Jerusalem District Archaeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The researchers said that the cross was made using a technique known as micro-mosaic, which was developed in Rome around 1800 and was preserved until the early 20th century. Experts believe that the pendant could have belonged to a Christian pilgrim who visited Ein Karem.

"This cross is a testament to the personal story of a pilgrim who visited Ein Karem 100–200 years ago, reflecting the centrality of the Holy Land to the three monotheistic religions. When Nehorai shared the story of the discovery, one could almost imagine the moment the pendant was lost—only to be found by the boy about a century later," added Amit Re'em.

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