Blackamoor, Moretti or Moretto, meaning Moroccan in Italian, jewelry dates its origin
back to the eighteenth century, or even older.
In Venice Moretto jewelry wasn’t just an amulet to exorcise dangers
but a status symbol of elegance and abundance to celebrate
the supremacy of the Venetian Republic around the Mediterranean Sea.
It usually depicts a Moroccan king in turban.
This beautiful and rare antique brooch pin
demonstrates elaborate Italian craftsmanship.
The Moorish King figure is made of 18K gold and silver
embellished with 6 old mine cut diamonds.
The face is carved from ebony wood,
a type of dark, dense wood known for its rich color and smooth texture.
The robe and the turban hand carved with intricate floral patterns
and covered with clear red enamel.
All the diamonds are old mine cut.
The diamond on the turban is 5.5 mm or approx. 0.58 CW.
The rest 5 diamonds are 4 to 4.5 mm diameter
They are mounted in collet setting.
Total diamond weight is approx. 1.9 CTW.
The closure is 2 needles with safety catches.
The brooch measures 47 mm high, 32 mm wide.
The head is 18 mm thick, the chest is 13 mm thick without the needles.
There are no hallmarks, tested 18K gold and silver.
Total weight is 22.2 grams.
Very good antique condition.
There are 2 superficial chips on enamel on the head.
They can be seen on the 2 last pictures.
