Victorian coral beads

A large and  plump strand of coral beads, circa 1840. During the Georgian era, Corallium Noble [precious coral] used in European jewellery came primarily from the Mediterranean. The raw coral was sent to major European carving centres, notably Naples and Torre del Greco, where artisans carved the coral to create beads, necklaces and other pieces of jewellery. By the 1870’s there were 82 coral carving establishments in Torre del Greco employing 4000 people. These coral beads are 25 inches in length with an integral coral bead clasp. They are 1/3 of an inch wide across the front of the beads. Lovely deep red colour, immaculate.

sold
Item ref : AC4