THE LANGUAGE OF
JEWELS
The hidden and ignored meaning of the eternal art
of adornment from A to Z (208 pages, 176 illustrated images, € 33,57).
by Maria Rosaria
Omaggio
From the pendants of the Etruscan women containing a
small piece of scented cloth to papal tiaras. From the mourning jewels
much loved by Queen Victoria to Carolina of Monaco's wedding diadem
especially designed by her mother, Grace Kelly. From the jewels designed
by Gabriele D'Annunzio for his lovers to, in the Age of Discoveries,
the ship-boy's earring worn as an act of subjection and sexual submissiveness,
so fashionable at present. This is a precious book supplying responses
to demanding and curious readers thanks to a fruitful detailed study.
Humankind has always worn jewels and precious token to distinguish
themselves, to proclaim power, strength, to reveal a social status
and to ward evil off, as well. Which was humankind's first adornment?
At present, it is above all women wearing jewels, but a man wore the
first adornment. He had created it. Why is a ring, which symbolises
alliance and union and encircles a finger, worn on the left-hand ring
finger. Is it because the "heart vein" arrives there? Why
are some stones preferred to others? The crowns of sovereigns and
holy statues were created according to specific symbols.
Brooches, bracelets, belts, necklaces, buckles, and so
on reproduce Nature patterns, animals, plants, flowers, but also waves,
spirals, faces, eyes, paws, and hands. Is there a hidden meaning?
In ancient times, every metal represented the power of a planet. Since
we started wearing watches time has assumed a different dimension.
Many young people have "discovered" antique adornment, rings,
nails often in silver, and stones more or less precious. They pierced
them all over every part of the body. It is quite surprising to note
that we are experiencing a sort of "a return to" a body
adornment for the first time in history. These are some hints of the
very many curiosities and observations in the book. You will be enthralled.
Maria Rosaria Omaggio, well known in the show business, is an enthusiastic
researcher of anthropology. Among the books she wrote, Viaggio nell'incredibile, awarded with the Premio Letterario Fregene;
L'energia trasparente - Curarsi
con I cristalli, pietre preziose e metalli, translated and published
in many countries has reached its 14th edition in Italy. C'era una volta, c'è sempre e ci sarà ancora
awarded with Premio Chiantino in 1999, has marked
here official début in novels.
CONTENTS
Introduction, Ring, Bracelet, Necklace and ornamental
Chain, Buckle, Pendant, Crowns and diadems, Fibula and brooch, Gems,
stones and beads, Glyptic Metals, Motifs and styles, Earrings, Watches,
Pectorals, Glossary, References, Acknowledgements.
You can have a translation
of some significant passages, asking for it to: usta@baldini.editore.it
