Zibellina

Zibellina is a historical Italian term that refers to a small patch or pendant of sable fur worn as a decorative accessory, and by extension to the accessory itself. It is the feminine form of zibellino, which denotes the sable fur ornament used in fashion. The sable fur came from the sable (Martes zibellina), valued for its dense, dark coat.

In fashion history, zibellini or zibelline were often designed as personal adornments worn on the face, throat, chest, or hair, sometimes attached to a chain or pinned to a garment. They functioned as a conspicuous display of wealth and taste and could be elaborate, occasionally incorporating gold settings or jewels to complement other jewelry.

Cultural role: The use of zibellini peaked in the 16th and 17th centuries among Italian nobility and other European courts; portraits from the period frequently depict women wearing a fur zibellino at the neckline, chin, or décolletage.

Linguistic note: The term is connected to zibeline, the French word for sable fur and a fabric name; all ultimately derive from the sable animal. In modern Italian usage, zibellino is more common for the fur ornament, while zibellina appears mainly in historical or scholarly contexts.