Summer Jewels & Watches 
21 July 2020
Summer Jewels & Watches 
242

Nardi

Diamond and gold ‘Moretti’ brooch


The carved ebony figure, round brilliant-cut diamond chest, earrings, and headdress set on filigree gold
18k yellow gold
Signed Nardi
1 1/8 x 1 7/8 ins; Gross weight 12.6 dwts
estimate: $3,500–4,500
result: $3,380
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The Venetian jeweler, Giulio Nardi, was most celebrated for his 'Moretti Veneziano' brooches. Dating from the mid-19th century, they typically depict a Venetian Moor, carved from black chalcedony, ebony, or sardonyx. The figure often suggests Othello, the Moor of Venice. Originating as Venetian souvenirs and love tokens, by the 1930s their popularity soon became evident. Nardi Venezia continues the family jewelry business today in the Piazzo San Marco.

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