Coral

An unusual cross that was made circa 1820 most likely in Naples or Sicily where the naturalA natural stone is called such because it has not been subjected to any treatments.  More coralAn organic gem, calcium carbonate with a trace of carotene, deposited by tiny sea creatures living in the depths of warm seas in huge colonies. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees. Coral is believed to be one of the oldest forms of gemstone jewellery, with some pieces dating back as far as 23,000 BC. More was sourced. It is composed of carved coral in cross form with a coral bead at the end of each bar. In the centre is a cluster of grapes set with natural pearls. Grapes symbolise the Christian faith and represent the life hereafter. Coral is a symbol of modesty, wisdom, happiness and immortality.It is mounted in 15ct62.5% pure gold (or 625 parts pure gold and 375 parts other metals). Popular during the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras but was discontinued in the mid-1930s. More gold.}

A really good looking Art DecoJewellery made in the Art Deco era (1920-1935). More pendant on a platinumDerives from the Spanish word 'platina' meaning 'little silver'. Acknowledged since the 1900s, platinum's durability and natural brightness has been and still is today highly treasured A metallic element prized for its rarity, whiteness, high tensile strength and insusceptibility to corrosion, platinum first became widely used in jewellery in the late ninete... More chain. It was made in the 1920s and is typical of the period. It is composed of a large carved long pear shaped naturalA natural stone is called such because it has not been subjected to any treatments.  More coralAn organic gem, calcium carbonate with a trace of carotene, deposited by tiny sea creatures living in the depths of warm seas in huge colonies. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees. Coral is believed to be one of the oldest forms of gemstone jewellery, with some pieces dating back as far as 23,000 BC. More which is a lovely even colour. Above it are six transition cutDirect descendants of the Old European Cut, this progressive cuts saw an evolution toward a larger table, a lower crown, and a smaller culet than previous cuts. However, unlike later brilliants, the girdles of these stones remained unfaceted. Considered a precursor to both the Modern Round Brilliant and the Ideal cuts. More well matched graded bright white diamonds. The platinum chain is a fine trace and long link design that was often used in the Art Deco period. It looks stunning when worn}

A wonderful 15ct62.5% pure gold (or 625 parts pure gold and 375 parts other metals). Popular during the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras but was discontinued in the mid-1930s. More gold ring that has been set with five naturalA natural stone is called such because it has not been subjected to any treatments.  More split coralAn organic gem, calcium carbonate with a trace of carotene, deposited by tiny sea creatures living in the depths of warm seas in huge colonies. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees. Coral is believed to be one of the oldest forms of gemstone jewellery, with some pieces dating back as far as 23,000 BC. More beads. The coral came from Naples which was a popular tourist destination in the early 1800s when the English went on their Grand Tour. So this ring may have been purchased in Italy circa 1820. The shankThe circle of metal that attaches to the decorative part of a ring and encircles the finger. More is typical of the period with repoussee work with a flower and leaf design on the shouldersThe point on a ring where the central section meets the shank or band, often carved, decorated or inlaid with small diamond accent stones. More. It is in lovely condition}

An unusual pair of silverA metallic element which is malleable and ductile, and white in colour, making it ideal for use in jewellery. It is usually mixed with copper to improve its hardness. More gilt drop earrings which are flower shaped and set with Neapolitan coralAn organic gem, calcium carbonate with a trace of carotene, deposited by tiny sea creatures living in the depths of warm seas in huge colonies. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees. Coral is believed to be one of the oldest forms of gemstone jewellery, with some pieces dating back as far as 23,000 BC. More. They were made circa 1880. They have later clip on fittings that can be altered to post and scroll if wanted}

A most unusual coral and 18ct gold bangle that has been set with three Neo-Classical carved coral oval sections depicting mythological scenes with four cherubs with a dog, a dolphin and a hippocamp (half horse/half fish). On the back section there are four round flower head carved coral sections that bear resemblance to tudor roses. It is a great example of Italian carved corals sold to the "Grand Tour" tourists as souvenirs, and later mounted on a bangle as a special commission. It is most attractive and was made circa 1840 }

An unusual 15ct gold ring that was made circa 1820. It has been set with three carved half coral beads in the form of stylised flowers. The shoulders have foliate motifs with further engraved floral detail. Coral is believed to attract love and prosperity. In Italy coral was often worn as a protection from the "evil eye" and for infertility. A wonderful ring to wear with the knowledge that you will be protected! }

In the early nineteenth century there was a passion for flowers. Explorers were bringing back new specimens from far flung places and writing about their discoveries. This example is an enchanting late Georgian botanical brooch, made circa 1820. It consists of three flowers, one is a "forget me not" set with turquoise and a natural split pearl. This was intended to send a sweet secret message that not to forget the admire who has given this to you! The other two flowers have been set with an amethyst and natural split pearls and an emerald with carved white coral petals. There are two finely chased and engraved gold leaves with a triple stem above that attaches to the three separate flowers. Similar pieces like this can be found in the Hull Grundy collection at The British Museum. }

A useful pair of natural coral earrings, each with a central diamond. The coral originates from Naples and is a wonderful colour. They were made circa 1870. }

An impressive and well designed Art Deco bracelet that was made in the 1920s in Germany. It has been set with five coral beads within a decorative openwork frame set with graded marcasite. Marcasite is iron pyrites and was used widely in the early 20th century as it glittered like rose diamonds. Coral was also very popular and in this bracelet it providess a good contrast to the grey sparkle of the marcasite. It looks fantastic when worn }

A good strand of natural coral beads that have been knotted in between. The coral has come from Naples. Diving for coral has taken place in the Mediterranean Sea ever since Roman times, and in the 15th century Torre del Greco which is now part of the Naples commune became known for its coral diving and harvesting of red coral. However, it was not until the 17th century that the first cameos were produced, and not until 1815 that a unique manufacturing contract was granted to the town by the King of Naples. Because of it’s wonderful natural salmon to deep red colouration it was carved in to trinkets and jewellery for the Grand Tourists in the 1820s to buy to take back home. This strand of coral beads is a lovely example of deepish red well matched coral. }

An unusual 18ct gold ring that was made circa 1880-1900. It has been set with a heart shaped coral and turquoise.  Coral was  thought by the Romans to protect children and turquoise means "Forget me not" after the flower of the same name.  The use of the rose diamonds emphasises "Eternal love", so this ring would have been a romantic gift to a special person. }

An unusual pair of 18ct gold earrings set with three coral beads in each one.The design is strong but delicate with applied gold wire work. They were made circa 1860. }

A striking and quite large 15ct gold tie pin with an open circular design set with angel skin coral and natural split pearls. This design often represented the winning post in a horse race but it could also be a decorative piece. It was made circa 1880. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin. }

An unusual Victorian Marquise Ring which has been set with shaped split coral and split pearls in a cross hatch design. It is 9ct gold and was made circa 1880. }

A good looking 18ct gold ring that has been set with an oval carved cabochon coral. It is a lovely mid coral colour. It was made circa 1930-1940. }

This is a pretty late Georgian ring from the Grand Tour period, circa 1820, when it was highly fashionable to visit places such as Naples and bring back a trinket. The coral is of course Neapolitan coral, which was sought after as it had such a good natural colour. The classical head is well carved, and typical of the subject matter used. }

A good example of a gold and coral neoclassical ring, made circa 1820. This was the great age for travelling throughout Europe to see the sights know as going on "The Grand Tour". Around this influx of new tourists grew a very profitable industry for reproductions from  Greek and Roman Classical times. These took the shape of trinkets such as necklaces, brooches and rings. Coral was carved in intricate detail and set in to baubles for the bustling masses. So this ring is from that time and features a bust of a Classical lady from the Roman period. }

An unusual ring which has a carved coral oval plaque of a classical lady's head and shoulders. The shank is Egyptian Revival which was popular in the 1900s. }

A stylish 18ct gold ring set with an oval cabochon cut coral. The coral is natural and a good colour. }

The witchetee is an edible bug that lives in the bush in Australia and is considered a survival food as it is packed full of protein. This little chap is carved out of coral and has two 18ct gold and diamond set bands across its body. It was made circa 1900-1910. }

A beautiful model of a bird with long tail feathers, a ruby eye and an onyx underbelly. He is perched on a coral branch. It is signed Boucheron Paris. The House of Boucheron is a French family dynasty founded by Frederic Boucheron in 1858. In 1893, Frédéric Boucheron became the first jeweller to move to Place Vendôme in Paris where Boucheron remains to this day. The jewellery is top quality and well designed. }

In Germany Art NouveauJewellery made in the Art Nouveau era (1890-1915). More was known as Jugendstil, this became a major influence on the decorative arts by 1900. In 1907, the Deutscher Warbund was formed to promote an alliance between art and industry. It was a teaching institution started by Van der Velde and Hermann Muthesius, partly inspired by British design developments. Its influence is particularly evident in the mass produced jewellery designs of the company of Theodor Farhner in Pforzhiem, which was the centre of the German jewellery industry between 1900 and 1930. This brooch is from that period and typically Art DecoJewellery made in the Art Deco era (1920-1935). More. It is signed.}

This is a carved coral brooch from the late Regency period, circa 1830. It originated from Naples where the coral was sourced. Old Neapolitan coral is such a good colour. It is in the Neo-Classical taste, popular at the time and is in good condition. }

An attractive Neo Classical coral pendant. It is of a lady's head and is surmounted by a decorative gold top. It was carved circa 1820, probably in Naples. }

A really unusual gold brooch which is modelled on a Vatican Guard's helmet and staff which is set with five diamonds, two natural pearls, four coral beads and a sapphire. It was presumably a souvenir of a visit to Rome or it was a special commission. It is beautifully made in 18ct gold and platinum and it dates to around 1900. }