The journey through the products and creations of Abruzzo’s handicrafts leads to the discovery of the“Presentosa.” This accessory is a of the most famous pieces of jewelry in Abruzzo’s goldsmithing tradition, is a star-shaped medallion surrounded by filigree arabesques usually made of gold or gold-plated metal, worn by women on festive occasions.
The production of this typical object is widespread throughout the region, but in the Scanno area it is distinguished by its figures, often inspired by the world of nature with decorations related to magical-symbolic themes. The origin of the name is also unclear: according to some, it derives from “present” meaning gift; according to others, from “presenténze” or engagement presentation, this is because in the past the jewel constituted the first gift that the suitor reserved for his sweetheart, thus sanctioning their union. In fact, in the center of this pendant often appears the motif of a heart or hearts joined by a crescent moon, a symbol and promise of love and, as such, a gift intended for sweethearts at the time of the marriage proposal.
At one time the Presentosa was believed to bring with it prosperity and good luck, and this belief has ancient roots that have helped keep alive, even today, the tradition of giving this jewel on important occasions, also making it a symbol of family ties. Indeed, it is often passed from mother to daughter, representing the continuity and strength of family relationships through time.
In the past, these amulets were also intended for children as good luck charms; recurring symbols include the frog, the key, the five-pointed star, the crescent moon, the heart, and the cornet.
The jewelry is usually used as a pendant for earrings or as a pendant to be placed in plain view on the chest, but it also goes with traditional clothing, both men’s and women’s, in the form of a button or clasp. Currently, this type of production has been joined by a number of creations that are more modern in style and, by reinterpreting traditional decorations, have become symbols of creativity and technology.
The name of the Presentosa is linked to Gabriele D’Annunzio, who left us a brief description of it in his 1894 novel“The Triumph of Death,” “She wore on her ears two crude circles of gold and on her breast the Presentosa: a large filigree star with two hearts in the middle.” In fact, the term is already present in some documents from the early nineteenth century in which it appears in the list of jewelry making up the bride’s dowry.
This accessory was relaunched in a big way in 1996 thanks to a number of initiatives promoted by the Majella Crafts Council, with the publication of a booklet created by Professor Sante Petrocelli. Among the many initiatives, it is worth mentioning that on the occasion of the G8 summit in L’Aquila in 2009, Abruzzo Regional President Giovanni Chiodi donated twenty-five presentoses created by goldsmith Paolo Mazzeschi to the consorts of the heads of state and government leaders.
A jewel and at the same time a timeless symbol that continues to inspire to this day.
