Magnificent necklace of carved Mediterranean coral in gold, circa 1850

Gifts from the sea

Magnificent necklace of carved Mediterranean coral in gold, circa 1850

€ 3,690.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

Hand-cut and engraved coral from the Mediterranean was all the rage in the mid-19th century. The region around the Gulf of Naples in particular was and is known for its artistic products and the ability of local craftsmen to turn the figurative material from the sea into jewellery. This necklace dates from this period. The necklace is made of large corals that have been cut into fruits, flowers, leaves and abstract arches. In the center of the design is a rare cameo made of coral with the image of an ancient goddess, with flowers in her hair: it is probably Flora, the goddess of spring. In keeping with the nature deity, she is framed by fruit, which forms a large, almost circular tondo around her. The coral used is light and salmon-colored. The red precious coral from the Mediterranean comes in different shades of color. While the intense red corals are particularly prized today, in the 19th century it was mainly delicate shades of pink that were in demand. Each of the corals is individually carved by hand and then placed on a gold mount that is invisible from the front. In later years, only gold-plated silver was often used for coral jewelry. The use of gold, like the bright color of the coral, also speaks for the high quality of this necklace. The necklace is beautifully preserved: It has always been carefully cared for and worn and so the flowers are still intact, the clasp has been renewed in recent years. This magnificent piece of jewellery came to us from Hamburg. Comparative examples can be found, for example, in the collection of the V&A in London, see here and see here. For jewellery made from carved coral, see also David Bennet and Daniela Mascetti: Understanding Jewellery, Woodbridge 2010, p. 107. On the reception of coral in the 19th century, it is also well worth looking at Edwin W. Streeter: Precious Stones and Gems, London 1877, 229ff, see also here.

Size & Details

Gifts from the sea

€ 3,690.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

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