About the Item

This beautiful red coral horn comes from the Italian sea and then was mounted with an 18 Kt gold crown and a sapphire by our goldsmiths. Going back in time, we begin to find traces of coral in the 3400 BC; the populations of that historic period, used small objects with the form of an horn to signal the presence of a house’s nucleus as well as for the defense, the protection and the fertility of those that were surrounded by the protective / propitiatory element (that is coral’s horn). When traveling to Naples, you will find red horn-shaped talisman charms called “cornicelli” hanging everywhere in the streets. A cornicello is a twisted horn-shaped amulet or charm which can be made of anything, including gold, silver, bone, or carved from red coral. During the Middle Ages, the color red had a double meaning: it symbolized victory over enemies and it symbolized good luck. In Naples, it is recognized as a symbol of good luck and protection. Those who acquired such an amulet would be blessed with good luck. The horn was symbol was used by those ancient people as the bringer of good fortune as well as fertility. As a matter of fact, during that time, fertility was considered a blessing to the community. Likewise, the bull’s horns were also a symbol of male strength and virility. During ancient times, the horn was used as a votive offering to the Goddesses Venus and Luna. The red coral often used to make the charm is sacred to Venus, goddess of love, and silver is sacred to Luna, the goddess of the moon. The red color and phallic shape are also related to the male fertility god Priapus. The" cornicelli" reaches back over many centuries, demonstrating the persistent value of good health and family which is so fundamental in Italian culture. The tradition says that a horn also protects places: apartment, car, business. Generally one or more horns are used for personal protection, environmental protection and then .... they are also something nice to wear!

Creator:
serra
Metal:
Gold,18k Gold
Stone:
Coral,Sapphire
Stone Cut:
Brilliant Cut
Dimensions:
Height: 1.97 in (50 mm)
Style:
Modern
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
2010-
Date of Manufacture:
2023
Condition:
Seller Location:
Roma, IT
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1922219050942

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