Antique jewelry and other fine antique items from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras
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Rare Victorian carved coral necklace with matching earrings 

Beautiful coral necklace and matching earrings. Necklace is comprised of coral beads and finely carved coral shells dangling from the necklace.

 

Reference #: 9245

Status: sold

Dimensions: earrings are 1.25 inches long, not including gold wires; necklace is 16 inches long

Condition: excellent

Year:  1850-70

Price: sold

Description:  Exceptional carved coral necklace and earrings of the finest quality.  Each piece of coral is perfectly matched.  The necklace is comprised of graduated coral beads from which hang meticulously carved cornucopia shaped horns.  The workmanship is incredible.  The matching earrings are comprised of carved acorn tops and cornucopia drops.  The wires are yellow gold.   

This set is a stunning and rare Victorian masterpiece.


To see other images of this set, please click on the thumbnail photos below:
             Victorian coral earrings with gold tops. The earrings have a carved coral acorn top and dangling below is a carved coral shell.       

Some information about about coral, its symbolism and its history: 

During the Roman era, it was believed that coral could cure wounds made by snakes and scorpions and diagnose diseases by changing color.  The Chinese consider coral a symbol of social status and wealth, and look to it for protection, happiness and even eternity.  In traditional cultures, it is considered an amulet for a blissful marriage and for preventing fever, smallpox and failed pregnancy.  In the Victorian era, coral was given as a gift of protection.  It was believed that coral would protect the wearer from harm making it a popular gift to newborns.  It is interesting to note that the earrings have acorn tops which symbolized long life.  Combining the symbolism of long life and protection, perhaps this was a gift to a new bride or a new mother?

Beautiful carved coral, prized by so many cultures and believed to have healing abilities.  Coral is used by healers in some cultures for problems involving the lungs and digestion.

It is said to relate to the circulation of the blood and to the heart. Coral is thought to help restore harmony in the event of emotional conflict. It works against nutritional deficiencies, depression and lethargy. Corail in French and Korallen in German.