Exceptional Necklace of Mediterranean Coral, c. 1890

Red coral was already considered a lucky charm in classical antiquity and from the 17th century in Venice, for example, it is said that coral "Portati dovunque l'huomo sia, ò in casa, ò in nave, scaccia le cattive ombre de gli spiriti, sogni, fulmini, venti, e tempeste e gli diffende da ogni assalto di fiere." - "Wherever a person goes, whether at home or traveling by ship, coral drives away the evil shadows of spirits, bad dreams, lightning, winds and thunderstorms and protects against all adversity." In Naples, people still use coral amulets to protect themselves and their children against all kinds of evil. However, the fascination with coral from the Mediterranean cannot only be explained by its (supposed) protective function - the sight of it is also fascinating on an aesthetic level. As is the case with this precious necklace from the late 19th century The long row of 75 hand-cut beads in an intense salmon red is arranged in a graduated pattern, i.e. the corals become thicker towards the center. The thickest coral measures around 15.6 mm - and even the smallest bead still measures 5.9 mm, which makes the necklace a rarity, as Mediterranean corals of this thickness have almost completely disappeared from the market today. The pearls of our very beautiful long necklace are hand-cut, not fully round and of an exquisitely beautiful colour. The yellow gold box clasp has another large coral bouton. The special quality of the necklace has been confirmed by an independent gemmological laboratory. The corresponding certificate of appraisal, pictured here, is supplied with the necklace. The necklace is in very good condition and has been restrung on pearl silk in our workshop. Quote according to Isabella Palumbo Fossati Casa: Intérieurs vénitiens à la Renaissance. Maisons, société et culture, Paris 2012, p. 276.

Estimate:$10,544.58

View all items fromHofer AntikschmuckorJewelry & Gems