February 10, 2011 - "Cornicello" In ancient times, the Cornicello was worn by followers of the Roman/Italian Goddess of the Moon. Some say that originally this was the Italic Goddess Mephites... and later the Goddess Diana (known as "Artemis" in Greece). Meant to resemble the curved horn of the African Eland (all horned animals were viewed as sacred to the Moon Goddess) - the Cornicello, which means "Little Horn" is traditionally carved from red coral (coral, coming from the ocean - whose tides are ruled by the Moon). When Christianity took over, some began associated the Cornicello with the Virgin Mary - a natural progression, as she took up the role of the Goddess to many Pagans. Regardless of it's origin and associated deities, the Cornicello, or - more simply, "Corno" - has been worn by Italians for protection, and to ward off both the Evil Eye, and Evil Spirits. Today, most Italian-Americans (especially those from New York and New Jersey) have bastardized the Cornicello. Gaudy gold and silver versions dangle from chains next to overly-ornate Crucifixes.... and even more gaudy oversized plastic versions hang from the rear-view mirrors of 1980s Camaros, looking more like chili peppers with little gold crowns. Most of these guido Italian-Americans (who base their knowledge of what it means to be "Italian" based on what they've seen in "The Godfather" or on "The Sopranos") have no idea of the amulets true origins and meanings... in fact, they rarely even know it's true name - preferring to refer to it as an "Italian Horn" instead. While I tend to shy away from all things "Italian-American"... I wear my Cornicello with pride... as a Priest of the Moon Goddess Diana. Mine is a tiny piece of red coral from Sardinia... hanging on a silver chain (silver also being sacred to the Goddess). Simple traditions... uniting new with old... present with past... descendant with ancestor. * * *

Pave Diamond Horn Charm by Sydney Evan. So chic and edgy, we love this piece (and so do QUITE a few celebrities)