When we were in Venice a few weeks ago I noticed in the jewellry store windows earrings and pendants that were carved faces of men of color with gold & jewelled headresses. Does anyone know the history or significance of these pieces? I wish now that I had gone in and asked the storekeepers. Does anyone know any online Venice jewellry stores that sell these items? They were fascinating!

Here's a brief history of these pieces that I found on a Web site:

>>The creation of the Moretto was greatly influenced by Venice which was obsessed by the Orient in the 17th and 18th centuries. In addition to oriental spices, perfumes, fabrics, clothes and jewelry, this fad introduced black pages and servants in oriental dress into the salons of the rich Venetian aristocracy. This prompted many Venetian goldsmiths into making decorative pins in the form of a black man called "Moretto" with a turban and a golden bust, richly decorated with gems.<<

I'm not sure when the "Moro" became the diminutive "Moretto", but these figures were very fashionable in Venice. I've also seen pedestals - I think in the Ca Rezzonico - in the shape of Moors, whose faces and bodies are made of ebony and their clothes of polychrome wood.

It was pretty much a Venetian fashion; often such a figure - whether in jewelry or furniture - is called a "Moretto veneziano."

I found this Web site of a Venetian jeweler who makes "Moretti." I'm not sure whether they're in your price range; I know that they are definitely not in mine!

Thank you for the website. My husband and I will be in Venice in two weeks and I look forward to visiting this shop. This will be the first time in five different trips we'll be alone and can spend time doing anything we want vs. showing people all the main tourists attractions. Any other little hints or shops we might enjoy?

Sharon J

Well, you can go to the shop called V. Trois on Campo di San Maurizio, which sells furnishing fabrics made to the original designs of Mariano Fortuny. A cotton (!) fabric came in at about $ 200 a yard the last time I looked, many years ago.

I did buy a Carlo Moretti glass plate at L'Isola, at 1468 San Moise, again many years ago. I prefer Moretti's work, which is more restrained than that of most of the Venetian glass designers. The store is still listed in the Italian White Pages.

The only paper shop that still makes hand-printed paper is the Legatoria Piazzesi, at 2511C Santa Maria del Giglio (also still listed).

Thanks for all the info Eloise!
They are out of my price range too.

Lisa,
I saw a previous posting you had about Colosseum tickets - what did you end up doing?
We'll be there later this month.
Thank you,
Laura

They are spectacular. I have seen costume jewelry from the 20's on ebay with this motif.


Ginger

I'm going to try and copy a link, here Kathy tried to teach me this. Hope it works.

Ginger

WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!! I did it!!!!!

Ginger