Blackamoor Jewelry of Venice
Purchasing an original Moretto offers much more than just a piece of jewelry; it’s an experience rich in meaning, tradition, and versatility. The blackamoor jewelry (earrings, pendants, necklaces and brooches) for sale are completely handmade in Venice with silver, gold and enamel using the antique techniques of venetian jewelry. This is best definition for the antique blackamoors: rare and old masterpieces of Italian craftmanship. That's why we offer for sale a wide selection of genuine black venetian moors handmade and finished with enamel and ebony using the ancient techniques that made Venice famous for this ornaments all over the world for centuries. Moretto jewelry holds a significant place in Venetian tradition, symbolizing the city’s rich history of cultural exchange and artistry.
Venice as a Getaway between East and West: the Moor Symbol of craftsmanship
Originating from Venice’s role as a gateway, between Europe and Constantinople, Moretto' jewelry represents a fusion of both cultures, blending Venetian craftsmanship with the exotic and "faraway" influences. These intricately crafted pieces, of jewelry often adorned with precious colored stones and metals, became cherished emblems of elegance and status among Venetians and travelers alike. That's why moretti are more than ornamental pieces of jewelry; they embody amazing stories of trade, exploration, and fully the Serenissima’s cosmopolitan spirit. Today, they stand as timeless icons of Venetian heritage, celebrating the artistry and complexity that define Venice’s unique identity. Moors made by Eredi Jovon like earrings, pendants, necklaces and brooches respect the old tradition, so using real craftsmanship and art but above all making every product one of the kind and completely made in Venice.
What is a Blackamoor: a bit of history
The Moretto originated as an ex-voto in coastal towns along the trade routes of the Serenissima.
It certainly doesn’t have the same historical roots as the Italian gold horn necklace, but it’s pretty close.
It was customary to give the Virgin Mary a gold hoop in the shape of an earring with a small black enamel mark to give thanks for having escaped the danger of pirates and having returned safely home. From being an ex-voto, the blackamoor, having returned to Venice, to the motherland, became an occasion to show off one's wealth, and Venetian jewelers tried their hand at creating increasingly complex and rich jewelry by adding precious stones, ebony, and pearls. The moretto whether brooch, earring, pendant or ring has become a symbol of the winged jewelry of the lagoon city that has always created connections with the East via the highway best known for millennia: the Mediterranean Sea.
If you would like to learn more about the history of the Venetian moorish jewelry, we have covered it in two of our blog posts:
Eredi Jovon Blackamoor Jewelry Collection
In our Jewelry Shop you will be able to find for sale:
The antique vintage jewelry with Venetian Blackamoors traditionally handmade with ebony or enamel (Moorish from the Istrian tradition) and more specifically
- The typical Istrian Moorish (perhaps the jewel in its primitive form) with fire enamel decorations and precious stones such as ruby and sapphire.
We offer rings and earrings with the traditional clasp (from the back) or even with the more convenient european clasp. Splendid are the models Adriatic Sapphire and Golden Scirocco earrings.
- Vintage and Traditional Blackamoor pendants with ebony and gemstones typical of the lagoon tradition: Light of Venice pendant and St. Mark's Gold necklace are just a couple of names.
These pendants have a hand-engraved wooden Moretto head and a silver or silver-gold plated body.
The Blackamoor Brooches for Sale
- Let's move on to the jewelry designed by us in collaboration with the greatest Venetian master goldsmiths and talk about the antique moretto brooches with precious stones such as rubies, emeralds, pearls and sapphires. We discuss, for example, the models Splendor of the Doge brooch, Flame of the Orient and Secret of the Lagune.
Earrings and Rings with genuine Estate Morettos
- All of these models also offer the matching earring and ring: you will find the Venetian Notturno model either as a brooch or as a ring or dangling earring with a European style attachment. The same goes for the Moretto Secret of the Lagoon ring.
The best moretto earrings for sale are for sure the blackamoor earrings with rubies called Red Titian.
- Brooches and Blackamoor pendants with real pearls such as the Sultan's Pearl and Constantinople Pearl models along with the Grand Vizier model complete our silver collection.
- As for vintage yellow gold Blackamoor , we create earrings with ebony heads or with fire enamels up to our top model: The Vintage Moretto with stones.
Why Choose a Jewelry with Moors from Eredi Jovon
Simple: our jewelry is synonymous with tradition, is synonymous with handmade is synonymous with quality and Made in Italy.
Traditional Blackamoors by Eredi Jovon
Since 1934 Eredi Jovon sale point is located on the Rialto bridge in Venice where you can still meet the owner Gabriella and her sons Marco and Alessio. We'll be glad to show you this typical venetian jewelry that made our family so famous during this 80 years of story and we'll explain you the real history behind the venetian blackamoor and his importance in the local tradition
Moors beloved by Hollywood stars and VIPs like Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Ernest Hemingway, Barbara Hutton, and musicians like Elton John are the signature jewelry of Venice.
Collectors and cultural enthusiasts often embrace Moretti as symbols of heritage and individuality, making them a statement piece for those who value artistry and tradition.
Their rarity and cultural significance make them favored by connoisseurs and those seeking unique, meaningful jewelry
Let's say it up front: they are pieces of art that have sublime aesthetic value.
Of course, anything traditional and handmade becomes a feather in our family's cap as we search for the roots and quintessence of the beautiful and the original.
Certainly, thanks to its apotropaic origins, the Moretto can confidently be counted among Italy’s traditional good‑luck amulets.
How to care for a piece of jewelry with Moretto?
To keep your moretto earring, pendant or brooch beautiful and unaltered over time, all you need to do is have some minimal precautions.
For vintage and estate blackamoors with an ebony head, pearl or resin part, we strongly advise against showering or going to the spa.
For models with enamels, the attentions can be far less remembering, however, that jewelry generally dislikes water, perfumes and creams.
Is my Blackamoor Brooch, ring or earrings valuable?
Blackamoor brooches and jewelry in general can be quite valuable and their worth depends on 3 main key factors:
• Antique 18th‑ to early 20th‑century pieces by established Venetian houses (e.g. Eredi Jovon) tend to fetch higher prices.
• Limited‑edition or artist‑signed originals are especially sought after.
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Materials & Craftsmanship
• Brooches carved from fine materials like ebony and set in solid gold carry a premium value.
Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, pearls and sapphires give an higher price according the value of the stone used to create the piece of jewelry.
• Intricate hand‑carving details—crisp features, smooth polish, well‑defined relief—boost value.
