Vintage Italian Figa Bracelet
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A highly unusual mid-20th century Italian gold charm bracelet set with nine carved figa amulets, each executed in a different hardstone or gem. The bracelet is a fine example of Italian jewellery, combining deep-rooted protective symbolism with the exuberant collecting culture of the mid-century period.Description and Materials
- Crafted in solid 18K gold (stamped 750 ITALY).
- Makers mark 13VI for Balestra Giovanni & Figli, jewellers of Via Maimonides, Vicenza (active 1935–1971).
- Total weight: 48.43g – unusually heavy for a bracelet of this type.
- Length: 18.5cm.
- Bracelet formed of substantial anchor links, complete with original safety chain.
- Nine figa charms, each capped in 18K gold, carved from a variety of materials including: coral, carnelian, lapis lazuli, nephrite, rhodonite, agates and other hardstones. Each measures approx. 3.5 × 1cm.
Symbolism of the FigaThe figa (also known as mano figa or mano fico) is one of the oldest apotropaic symbols, first appearing in Etruscan Italy nearly 3,000 years ago. Depicting a clenched fist with the thumb protruding between the fingers, it has historically been worn to ward off the evil eye, invoke fertility, and channel protective power. In South America, where the motif was carried by Iberian colonists, it remains a common charm given to children to avert misfortune.The gesture itself, sometimes bawdy, sometimes defensive, has carried many meanings across time and cultures, but in jewellery its apotropaic role is paramount. Italian jewellers of the 19th and 20th centuries revived the motif in coral and gold, particularly in southern regions such as Naples, before its wider adoption in jewellery during the early to mid-20th century.Provenance and NotesThe presence of nine figas suggests this was a personal collection built over time, later mounted together on a heavy gold bracelet. Bracelets complete with so many gem-set amulets are rare.
A highly unusual mid-20th century Italian gold charm bracelet set with nine carved figa amulets, each executed in a different hardstone or gem. The bracelet is a fine example of Italian jewellery, combining deep-rooted protective symbolism with the exuberant collecting culture of the mid-century period.
Description and Materials
- Crafted in solid 18K gold (stamped 750 ITALY).
- Makers mark 13VI for Balestra Giovanni & Figli, jewellers of Via Maimonides, Vicenza (active 1935–1971).
- Total weight: 48.43g – unusually heavy for a bracelet of this type.
- Length: 18.5cm.
- Bracelet formed of substantial anchor links, complete with original safety chain.
- Nine figa charms, each capped in 18K gold, carved from a variety of materials including: coral, carnelian, lapis lazuli, nephrite, rhodonite, agates and other hardstones. Each measures approx. 3.5 × 1cm.
Symbolism of the Figa
The figa (also known as mano figa or mano fico) is one of the oldest apotropaic symbols, first appearing in Etruscan Italy nearly 3,000 years ago. Depicting a clenched fist with the thumb protruding between the fingers, it has historically been worn to ward off the evil eye, invoke fertility, and channel protective power. In South America, where the motif was carried by Iberian colonists, it remains a common charm given to children to avert misfortune.
The gesture itself, sometimes bawdy, sometimes defensive, has carried many meanings across time and cultures, but in jewellery its apotropaic role is paramount. Italian jewellers of the 19th and 20th centuries revived the motif in coral and gold, particularly in southern regions such as Naples, before its wider adoption in jewellery during the early to mid-20th century.
Provenance and Notes
The presence of nine figas suggests this was a personal collection built over time, later mounted together on a heavy gold bracelet. Bracelets complete with so many gem-set amulets are rare.
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