The Goldsmith Traditions of Abruzzo with Filippo Di Rienzo (Oreficeria di Rienzo)

The Italian Radio Hour

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - One of the interesting and ancient traditions that the Abruzzo region boasts is certainly the art of goldsmithing. This week we caught up with Filippo di Rienzo, 7th generation of goldsmiths in the town of Scanno, by the beautiful lake of Scanno. Thru Filippo, we discussed the use of jewelry also for popular and good luck traditions. The Abruzzo goldsmith tradition is rich in symbols, both sacred and pagan, which are still alive in this region. Many Abruzzese women wear at least one of these traditional jewels which show the strong bond they have with their region. La Presentosa, for instance, is a traditional jewel from the Abruzzo region, a very ancient piece of art dating back to the 18th century. It became famous when the poet Gabriele D'Annunzio described it in his masterpiece “The Triumph of the Death” as a large filigree star with two hearts linked by key or ribbon. This jewel was often given to young women as a promise of love. The word comes from presente, present or gift, which evolved into presentenza and presentosa in the local dialect. Tradition has it that on the day of the formalization of the union between the betrothed, the presentosa was donated by the future in-laws to the future bride as a token of love. The presentosa in this case also represented the symbol of fidelity and eternal love. The presentosa was also donated by mothers to girls of marriageable age. In this case, it was represented with a single heart and symbolized the search for a husband. When visiting Scanno, do stop by to Visit Filippo at Oreficeria di Rienzo and get first hand tour of the museum. https://www.armandodirienzo.com/

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