WHO IS METRODORA?
ANCIENT GREEK PHYSICIAN AND FIRST FEMALE MEDICAL BOOK AUTHOR
METRODORA
Metrodora, a Greek physician practicing around 200 - 400 AD is a Power Woman for being the first woman to author a medical book: On the Diseases and Cures of Women. Her focus was expansive from pathology to gynecology, but not obstetrics. While she was influenced by the work of Hippocrates (460 - 370 BC), her writing was referenced by other ancient Greek and Roman medical writers that followed - and well into Medieval Europe! As the marble “Parturition Scene” from Ostia, Italy (400 BC - 300 AD) suggests, women in medicine were often midwives, although male doctors likely tended to wealthy or high status women, only.
The Science Museum, London
GOLD AMULET 600 AD
From the start of time, jewelry has never been just jewelry and Amulets are just one example of this. Outside of what Metrodora and other physicians could achieve through medicine, jewels were powerful protection through prayer from illness and evil. This resonated across the ages, cultures, and religions - as it does today! This Byzantine Gold Amulet from 600 AD would have been from the elite class, but regular citizens also wore amulets made of more humble materials.
Gold Chain and Amulet made in Lesbos, Greece. Image credit: the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens
ORNELLA IANNUZZI - FORBIDDEN FRUITS
Throughout time, our ancestors revered plants for their magical and medicinal properties. Ornella’s “Into the Wood” collection explores the theme of enchanted forests and magical aspects of such plants. “Forbidden Fruits” earrings are a fiercely beautiful statement about the demonization of ancestral medicinal plants, classified as illegal in the 1930’s, which had been used for centuries around the world to cure diseases.
DM me to learn more about Ornella’s jewelry for purchase.
MORE JEWELRY BY
ORNELLA IANNUZZI
CURATED DESIGNER JEWELRY THAT ALIGNS WITH YOUR VALUES
Interested in a curated selection of discerning fine jewelry? I’m here for you!
As your jewelry guide, I help you acquire responsibly sourced rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets - designed by women. This means striving for:
• transparency in origin
• conflict-free
• supporting and protecting people, their skills, and the environment - be it land or sea.
What are the benefits of The Brilliant Concierge service?
A fluid, personalized experience, presenting you with thoughtfully designed jewelry for purchase you will love. The service can be:
• Editing your current jewelry wardrobe and anticipating needs for your next purchase.
• Advising you on kinds of jewelry that fit your lifestyle and values, as well as wear and care considerations.
• Sourcing jewelry for you or a gift for someone you love, be it day-to-night stud earrings or an engagement ring.