Antique Three Strand Precious Coral Necklace With Modern Clasp, c. 1900

The Tarantella is a folk dance originating from southern Italy. The beads of the necklace probably also come from this very region, because coral processing experienced a true flowering in the 19th century. The increasing number of travellers from all over Europe visited Naples, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. Jewellery made of coral was a popular souvenir. So what does dance have to do with coral? Carl Blechen already depicted beautiful Italian women dancing the Tarantella around 1830 in his work "Tarantella" (see illustration). But we are even more interested in the jewellery, because the protagonist of the painting wears a double-row coral necklace. Throughout the 19th century coral remained a distinctly Italian, summer jewellery. The necklace before us consists of even three rows of the sea treasure and makes us think of the warm sun of the south. The antique corals show with a unique play of hues, from a lighter salmon to a stronger orange, and let us catch a glimpse of the colour spectrum of nature. Small growth features identify the pearls as natural products. We have had the necklace re-strung so that it lingers and adorns the neck even today with a quick tarantella!

Estimate:$1,102.05

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