The multi-stranded emprendada is a singular emblem of Ibiza&rsquo;s fascinating cultural history

For pay&eacute;s women in the pre-1970 campo of Ibiza, there were few opportunities for dressing up. Most wore the gonella, a heavy black woollen outfit with multi-layered skirts and a demure black blouse. Decorative and pale-coloured outfits were reserved for high days and holidays, in particular the bal pay&eacute;s, a country dance whose origins are firmly rooted in Ibiza&rsquo;s Arabic history, and for the festeig, an ancient courting ritual.&nbsp;

Payés Women Dressed in Traditional Gonella and Emprendada

During the festeig, an eligible young woman would receive a selection of potential suitors in her family home. In this peculiarly formal arrangement, chaperoned by her mother, the girl alone had the right to choose her future groom. It is within this context that the origins of the emprendada can be found. A highly decorative and unique set of many-layered chains and jewels, the emprendada was worn by the young woman as a symbol of her family&rsquo;s wealth to any hopeful husband. In a society where farms and lands passed to the eldest male, the emprendada was the girl&rsquo;s birthright, which she in turn would pass to her daughters.

More and more elements would be added to the emprendada over time, increasing the significance of each set of jewels, and the growing treasure would be displayed at social and religious gatherings. The original emprendadas were made from silver and protective red coral. The coral was found on the seabed around the islands the silver from the old mines of Sant Carles (s&rsquo;argentera). For the last hundred years or so, gold has become more common, with rosary-like amulets, crosses and lockets.

Ibiza’s rich history of jewellery

Tags

Related Articles

Ibiza

Seven must-read books about Ibiza

Ibiza

The best films set in Ibiza and Formentera

Ibiza

Sweet Summer Solstice

Recommended posts for you

Music

Hot Ticket: The unstoppable rise of Michael Bibi

Fashion

Ibrahim Kamara's debut at Off-White

Fashion

The Row Pre-Fall 2023: The chic-est fashion show in Paris right now!

Beauty

In autumn, the world of beauty is conquered by classics and red shades - from makeup to m

Design

Sensory decoration: the trend that will sharpen the senses

Culture

How 'Pinocchio' Reframes Childhood Memories

Hommes

Daniel Roseberry on Life as an American in Paris

Fashion

Chloé's Spring/Summer 2023 Collection Fuses With the Future