L'aquila di Palermo

L’aquila di Palermo is a historic hallmark from Palermo’s goldsmith and silversmith tradition. It marked silver objects that met recognised quality standards. Introduced in 1447, the sign showed an eagle with lowered wings and the initials RUP. Those letters stood for Regia Urbs Panormi, meaning Royal City of Palermo.

In 1715, the eagle’s wings turned upward to match the new royal coat of arms. In 1758, the guarantee mark also became obligatory on gold objects and jewellery. Palermo’s craftsmen later used maker and assayer marks alongside a Ceres head and a purity number. The old eagle disappeared after new marking rules arrived in 1826. Today, historic-centre workshops continue techniques including filigree, granulation, repoussé, chasing, lost-wax casting and stone setting. Thin wires twist into patterns, while tiny metal spheres form delicate surfaces. Collections at the Archaeological Museum A. Salinas and Palazzo Abatellis preserve this craft history.