Description
An incredible Blackamoor brooch- very unique and highly collectible. The beautifully carved onyx face is brought to life by such beautiful details as inlaid agate eyes, carved coral lips, pearl drop-earrings and a multi-gem collar and crown. Blackamoors, or “Moretti”, have long been a popular theme in jewelry, and were originally intended as amulets to ward off evil, or invasion by the Moors into Italy, where Moretti jewelry originated. The firm of Nardi is well known for Moretti brooches, but Moretti can also be found in jewelry made in England by Guliano and Castellani in the 19th century. Jewelry houses such as Cartier made striking examples in the 1950’s and 60’s.
