Southern Italian gold threaded pearl pendant

This pendant originates from the Italian island of Procida in Campania, reflecting the enduring tradition of Italian women adorning themselves with a rich display of jewelry. Italian women have always valued the opulence of jewelry as a crucial element of personal expression. Skilled Italian goldsmiths were adept at creating visually substantial pieces using minimal material, often employing thin gold that gives the illusion of weightiness while remaining relatively light and comfortable to wear.

In keeping with the southern Italian tradition, this pendant exemplifies the lavish use of seed pearls, once abundant in the warm Mediterranean waters before the industrial age. Goldsmiths in the south, like those from Procida, were known for attaching seed pearls with delicate gold wires. Although this technique added to the intricacy and splendor of the jewelry, it also presented a challenge – the fragility of the thin gold wires often led to breakages, resulting in the loss of the seed pearls.

Despite its seemingly bold size, this pendant from Procida is crafted from a thin gold base and gold wire, making it much lighter than it appears. The design and craftsmanship are indicative of the ingenuity of Italian goldsmiths in making the most of their materials. 

The lower part of the pendant, shaped like a gourd, features leaves on its cap that share the same design as the upper half. The main body, resembling a hollow structure, is adorned with swirling patterns, creating a streamlined contour. The top is covered with twisted pearl strands, and a Baroque pearl dangles from the end, providing balance to the overall intricate and ornate structure. The overall design of the piece is exquisite, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and a strong handmade aesthetic. The use of natural plant motifs reflects a rich vitality and the artisan's unique ingenuity. On our website, there is another pair of earrings with a similar technique, though they may not belong to the same series, they complement each other quite well.

An almost identical pair of earrings can be found in the collection of the V&A Museum, bearing gold marks from the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, dating back to the early 19th century. Notably, they also feature the maker’s mark 'AC,' believed to be associated with Antonio Caccavallo of Naples. This specific pair was acquired as part of the renowned Castellani collection of Italian Peasant Jewelry at the International Exhibition in Paris in 1867.

This piece, with its distinct regional influence, is a testament to the widespread practice of adorning gold earrings among Italian women. The shapes of such earrings varied across different regions, and while these specifically come from Procida, jewelry of similar types was both crafted and worn throughout southern Italy.

The overall condition of the piece aligns with its antique status, showing signs of oxidation and wear. Some pearl strands are detached, and not all gold wire ends are uniformly smooth. It is not recommended to wear with delicate fabrics such as knitwear or silk due to these protrusions. Judging the condition of an item is subjective, so please click and enlarge our photos to examine more details for a better assessment.