Rare religious cross discovered by child while exploring on school field trip in Jerusalem

While on a class trip to the historic Ein Karem village in Jerusalem, Israel, a 10-year-old discovered an unexpected surprise.

Nehorai Nir was picking edible plants with his class and believed he saw a red pomegranate on the ground.

He added, "I pulled it out and was immediately very excited."

The discovery was an intricate golden cross medallion made with a micro-mosaic technique.

 "The manufacturing method demanded expert craftsmanship which includes setting glass and tiny coloful precious stones, placed with exceeding precision to form miniature patterns," said Dr. Amit Re'em, IAA Jerusalem district archaeologist.

Ein Karem is where the New Testament places the birth of John the Baptist, and where the text says his mother Elizabeth, met Jesus' mother Miriam by a neighborhood well, according to the IAA.

"Through the medium of a small but unique object, we are exposed to the story of one individual's thrilling personal journey, which connects us to the past history of this site and to the world of the pilgrims," said Escusido.

Fox News Digital reached out to the IAA for additional comment.