Antique Necklace Made of Three Rows of Mediterranean Coral, Italy c. 1900

August 15 is one of the most important holidays in Italy. Known as Ferragosto (from Latin Feriae Augusti, feast day of Augustus), the day marks the hottest period of the summer around which practically all Italians go on holiday to where it is cool: to the sea or the mountains. Almost all economic life comes to a standstill, instead there are celebrations everywhere and in many places the evening ends with fireworks at midnight. This necklace takes us back to such an August about 120 years ago. Over the Bay of Naples, the sun is already low on the horizon. A light breeze blows from the sea, the lemons are in bloom, and in the shade of the stretched sailcloth the weary travellers from the north gaze far out over the smooth water. How far away is the rain-soaked homeland with its obligations, work and toil - how beautiful and carefree life is here! The necklace strings three strands of bright, salmon-coloured Mediterranean coral in the course. The pearls are hand-cut and never quite round, but always slightly flattened on the sides. This not only proves that they were created at the turn of the century, but also guarantees the soft flow of the necklace at the décolleté. The necklace has a wearing length of 46.5 cm and is beautifully assorted. An original clasp with three coral buttons holds the necklace securely and makes it easy to put on. We have re-strung the chain, renewing the pearl silk in the process, so the necklace can be worn straight away.

Estimate:£1,086.23

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