Wonderful Necklace of Large Coral Beads Graduated, 1960s

The identification of corals is a science in itself. There are more than 5,000 different species in the world's oceans, which live at different depths and many of which have very different habitat requirements. What they have in common, however, is their need for clear, clean water, which is why many species are now threatened with extinction in times of global warming, microplastics and oil spills. Among the corals that have been used to make jewellery throughout history are species native to the Mediterranean, including Far Eastern corals, which are suitable as the basis for making precious jewellery. Here we see a necklace made from impressively large coral spheres of the Momo coral type. The necklace consists of slightly flattened coral beads that shine in a beautiful salmon colour and with very few surface features. Small, white areas in the otherwise predominantly salmon-coloured material, the so-called "souls" of the coral, show that it is Pacific coral. 64 beads, which increase in size towards the centre, form the piece of jewellery, which is held in place by a golden clasp with two further coral beads. The central sphere has a diameter of more than 16.6 mm. We have had the necklace restrung and the pearl silk renewed and commissioned an expert opinion to confirm the value of the coral.

Estimate:£10,504.23

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