Antique Double-Row Necklace Made of "Sciacca coral", Italy c. 1900

For centuries, coral jewelry was not only a precious ornament, but also a bearer of stories and myths. Recovered from the mysterious depths of the Mediterranean, this material has always been surrounded by an aura of wonder. Even the ancient world sought an explanation for its origins: it was said that coral was created from the blood of Medusa. When Perseus cut off the Gorgon's head on the shore, her blood dripped onto the seaweed, which then turned into bright red coral - just as irrevocably as her gaze was able to turn people into stone. This necklace continues this rich tradition and features two rows of unusually beautiful coral beads. They date from around 1900 and bear the characteristic salmon hue of the famous "Corallo Sciacca", the coral that was discovered after an undersea volcanic eruption in the Mediterranean and turned into coveted treasures at the turn of the 20th century. The strands are threaded in a graduated pattern so that the pearls become larger towards the center, giving the jewellery a harmonious and lively appearance. We have had the necklace restrung so that it now shines again in its former beauty. The tombac clasp is also adorned with three corals and fits perfectly into the overall look. This necklace thus combines myth and fashion history: a magnificent piece of neck jewelry whose warm red still exerts the same fascination as it did over a hundred years ago.

Estimate:$1,448.61

View all items fromHofer AntikschmuckorJewelry & Gems