Item Description
This vitro-resin necklace consists of a single strand of twelve hard cushions, designed to simulate onyx, with five graduated beads separating each of the black hard cushions. The strand supports a hanging finial in the form of a red chili pepper beneath a revolvable and encased turret in the form of a lantern chili. This necklace is fitted with a clasp inscribed “Fiocchi “which is one Italy’s oldest and largest ammunition manufacturers and which diversified in 1903 to produce snaps made using cut-offs of their ammunition production. This red chili pepper necklace was produced in the workshop of Angela Caputi in Florence, Italy as part of her “Giuggiu” collection. Giuggiu was founded in 1975 and is one of the most widely recognized names in haute couture jewelry. The workshop uses only materials made in Italy, is staffed predominately by women, and uses almost exclusively vitro-resin and other synthetics which simulate ivory, turquoise, tortoise shell, coral, jade, or onyx. Her jewelry has been seen in numerous films and major television productions including the Dynasty TV series. The October 4, 2007 issue of The Florentine contains an interview with Angela Caputi, conducted by Vicci Recckio. In response to the question “Tell me about your typical client. Who wears Angela Caputi?” she responded “Definitely an independent woman, generally in her 30’s and up. My typical client is not necessarily rich or wealthy, but more likely a cultured and worldly woman who travels. It is a line that men also like to buy for the important women in their lives . . . It is a personal and intimate line because the pieces are one of a kind.” In response to the question “What does Giuggiu” mean?” she explained “When I was a child, people called me Giuggiu. It is an Italian term of endearment that means ‘small agreeable thing.’ It is something that is playful and cute, just like my jewelry.” This retro style item is unused as it was housed in storage for many years. 20th Century.
