Large Rare Antique Italian Carved Coral Brooch of Goddess Hebe
SKU9/B
Description
A superb and rare grand tour jewel, which takes the form of a classical scene showing the goddess Hebe, her father Zeus and Cupid. Hebe is the daughter of Zeus and Hera and is known for her eternal youth and ability to restore youth to mortals. She is the youngest of the gods and revered for keeping them eternally young. As the cupbearer of the gods, she is often depicted offering a cup to her father, who appears as an eagle, representing their connection to immortality. In Roman mythology, she is equivalent to Juventas. Cupid highlights the youth.
It has two conical pendants and a hand suspended from the brooch, with coral swags between. The hand is a Mano Figa and the snake bracelet symbolises eternity. The Figa symbol, with a history dating back 8,000 years, depicts a hand with the thumb situated between the index and middle fingers. The term "Mano Figa" originates from Etruscan Italy, where "Mano" means hand and "Figa" refers to the slang term for a woman's private parts. These objects were traditionally worn as an incantation to the goddesses, and a plea for fertility, virility, and prosperity (with close connections to Bacchus). These symbols were typically crafted from sacred materials such as silver or blood coral, representing Luna, the goddess of the moon, and Venus, the goddess of the sea, respectively.
Victorians had a strong affinity for coral adornments, often dressing their children in them for symbolic protection. Coral was also utilised in the creation of baby rattles and teething objects, with much of the material originating from Italy's Naples region. The Italian artisans were renowned for their mastery in carving coral into intricate designs.
It is a stunning and an incredibly rare jewel, and would make a lovely addition to any fine antique jewellery collection.
Details
Date & Origin 1830s, Italian
Era Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Measurements
Material 18ct gold
Hallmarks Unmarked
Condition Good - the coral does have a split (see photographs), however it is held together with its gold frame. It is still a remarkable work of art at this scale
What Zuleika says
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Care Recommendation
Any questions?
Get in touch with Zuleika about the Large Rare Antique Italian Carved Coral Brooch of Goddess Hebe ()
Email: zuleika@parkinandgerrish.com
Call: +44 (0) 2072062420
WhatsApp: +44 (0) 7766718842
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Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable Packaging
Our gift boxes are plastic free, fully recyclable and FSC certified. They are high quality rigid luxury boxes that look and feel amazing. They have been beautifully designed by Zuleika and Oliver and best of all, made in the UK!
Our jewellery is presented inside the gift box in a green presentation box, as well as, a luxury reusable pouch and tissue paper. Our boxes, pouches and tissue paper are made in the UK and support small businesses.
Our postage packaging is also recyclable. You can read more here about how we are sustainable.
Made in the UK
Parkin & Gerrish are very proud to be not just a British Brand, but also a small family run business. We have personally hand-picked all our jewellery, as well as our manufactured jewellery, our packaging and even our jewellery cleaner from all over the UK, supporting local and small businesses.
The point is, we know exactly where everything comes from and how it is made. We have homegrown ethics and principles, we care about people, customers, suppliers and our planet and the next generation.
Signature Gift Wrapping
Every purchase is lovingly gift wrapped by Zuleika herself.
We felt it was important, as we are not a physical shop and online only, you have the ultimate experience of opening our beautiful packaging. Nothing feels better than receiving jewellery.
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Sustainability
Did you know?
Buying antique, vintage and second hand jewellery gives these pieces a second lease of life!
There is a big shift, not just within the fashion industry, but in the jewellery industry too. Vintage is no longer just for clothing. We find more shoppers are looking to the craftsmanship of the past for their everyday jewellery.