Busacca Gallery

The symbol of peace, What a spectacular gift to give someone. The branch of an olive tree, traditionally regarded as a symbol of peace (in allusion to the story of Noah, in which a dove returns with an olive branch after the Flood). A Beautiful 14k yellow gold branch shape brooch, set with lapis and jade beads, 4mm to 6 mm; signed on back; overall weight 12.7 gm. 2-¾ x 1 in. In the 5th century, by which time a dove with an olive branch had become established as a Christian symbol of peace, St Augustine wrote in On Christian Doctrine that, "perpetual peace is indicated by the olive branch (oleae ramusculo) which the dove brought with it when it returned to the ark." The olive branch appears with a dove in early Christian art. The dove derives from the simile of the Holy Spirit in the Gospels and the olive branch from classical symbolism. The early Christians, according to Winckelmann, often allegorised peace on their sepulchres by the figure of a dove bearing an olive branch in its beak. On July 4, 1776, a resolution was passed that allowed the creation of the Great Seal of the United States. On the Great Seal, there is an eagle grasping an olive branch in its right talon. The olive branch traditionally has been recognized as a symbol for peace. It was added to the seal in March of 1780 by the second committee appointed by Congress to design the seal. The olive branch has thirteen olives and thirteen olive leaves to represent the thirteen original colonies. Later on, the bald eagle and bundle of thirteen arrows were added. The idea of the olive branch opposing the bundle of thirteen arrows was to "denote the power of peace & war which is exclusively vested in Congress." *Our job is to find and target great art by collecting a vast array of contemporary, vintage, antique and collectible items from across the globe. Individually handcrafted, we breathe new life into these forgotten relics by giving back each piece it's unique story. We welcome dealers, galleries, and private collectors to register securely and buy with us.

The history of the pendant and pin brooch is a fascinating journey through time, encompassing various cultures, styles, and purposes. These adornments have evolved over centuries, reflecting changes in fashion, technology, and societal norms. Ancient Origins: The concept of wearing decorative items close to the body dates back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt and Rome, people adorned themselves with jewelry that served both ornamental and symbolic purposes. These early pieces often consisted of amulets and pendants made from materials like stone, shells, and metal. Medieval and Renaissance Era: During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, jewelry evolved alongside the changing social landscape. Pendants gained popularity as symbols of status and affiliation with certain groups. Religious iconography was common, and pendants often featured depictions of saints or religious scenes. Brooches were practical accessories, used to fasten clothing and display wealth. Their designs ranged from simple to intricate, incorporating precious metals, gemstones, and enamels. Victorian Era: The Victorian era marked a significant turning point for pendants and brooches. Queen Victoria's influence on fashion and sentimentality greatly impacted jewelry design. Pendants became more personalized, often featuring lockets that held keepsakes, hair, or miniature portraits. Brooches transformed into versatile pieces, often convertible into pendants, reflecting the changing needs and tastes of the time. Art Nouveau and Art Deco Periods: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the emergence of distinct artistic movements that influenced jewelry design. Art Nouveau celebrated nature-inspired motifs, characterized by flowing lines and organic forms. Pendants and brooches of this era featured intricate enamel work and gemstones set in fluid, curvilinear designs. The subsequent Art Deco movement embraced geometric patterns, bold colors, and innovative materials, resulting in more angular and modern designs. Contemporary Revival: In recent decades, there has been a revival of interest in vintage and antique jewelry, leading to the resurgence of pendants and brooches. Modern designers often draw inspiration from historical styles while incorporating contemporary elements. Pendants today come in a wide range of styles, from minimalist and symbolic designs to elaborate statement pieces. Brooches have also seen a resurgence, moving beyond their utilitarian origins to become bold fashion statements that can be worn on clothing, bags, or even as hair accessories. Symbolism and Expression: Throughout history, both pendants and brooches have served as vehicles for self-expression, cultural identity, and personal symbolism. They have been used to commemorate special occasions, convey messages, and showcase one's affiliations. From sentimental lockets to political badges, these adornments have spoken volumes about the wearers and their times. In conclusion, the history of the pendant and pin brooch is a rich tapestry woven with cultural, artistic, and societal threads. These adornments have evolved from simple, functional pieces to intricate works of art, reflecting the ever-changing nature of human expression and aesthetics.

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_branch

The olive branch is usually a symbol of peace or victory and was historically worn by brides and virgins. This symbol, deriving from the customs of Ancient Greece, is strongest in Western culture. Although peace was associated with the olive branch during the time of the Greeks, the symbolism became even stronger under the Pax Romana when envoys used the olive branch as tokens of peace.



For the Romans, there was an intimate relationship between war and peace, and Mars, the god of war, had another aspect, Mars Pacifer, Mars the bringer of Peace, who is shown on coins of the later Roman Empire bearing an olive branch. Appian describes the use of the olive-branch as a gesture of peace by the enemies of the Roman generals.