Antique Double Strand Coral Necklace, c. 1900

For centuries, coral jewellery was not only decorative, but also associated with numerous legends. Mined from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, this material always carried mysterious associations. It is said that coral originated from the blood of Medusa when Perseus cut off her head on the seashore: Her blood dripped onto seaweed and turned it into a red coral tree – just as her gaze had previously turned people into stone. For a long time reserved for the art chambers of princes, this gift of the sea also reached wide circles of the middle classes as the 19th century progressed. Coral was considered a distinct summer ornament, exotic and colourful at the same time. Since it did not sparkle as festively as diamonds and was not as heavy as gold, its impression was lighter, more cheerful, and it became accepted as daytime jewellery. In the present necklace, which is worn close to the neck, we see particularly beautiful corals arranged in two strands. These are beads from around 1900 with the characteristic strong salmon tone that makes Italian coral so desirable. The strands are arranged in graduated fashion, meaning they get thicker towards the center. The necklace, which we have had re-strung, is held by an original reddish gold clasp. This is set with another coral and equipped with a safety chain. A magnificent piece of jewellery with a history all its own!

Estimate:£749.42

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