A pair of unusual Victorian gold and coral earrings.
Each designed as an elongated oval corallium rubrum cabochon forming the shank of a golden anchor, suspended from a trace-link chain to a bead and hook surmount. The coral are a well matched mottled light to medium pinky orange.
Coral was thought to arise from the petrified seaweed covered in the blood from Medusa’s head and as such could cure snake bites or poison, warding off the evil eye.
Pliny described coral as being used to quiet tempests and ensure that the wearer would be safe from lightning. It calmed seas, protecting sailors and their vessels from wind and waves in all waters, al,l of which ties this together beautifully with the associations of the anchor with steadfastness and seafaring.
Perfect gift for a 35th wedding anniversary.
Coral untested for natural colour origin.
Marks:
Apparently unmarked with regard metal or maker.
Main body electronically tests as approximately 12ct gold.
Chain and surmounts electronically test as approximately 9ct gold.
Date:
Late Victorian, circa 1860-1880.
Length:
5.3cms.
Length of main panels 3.2cms.
Condition:
Surmount and chains are possible replacements.
Few dark polyp holes visible to the coral.
Slight discolouration to the reverse of the anchors.
By clicking to ‘Purchase’ you agree to having read the Important Information for Purchasers.
Our primary concern is that you are pleased with your purchase. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about a product before clicking purchase. We appreciate patina and the ‘age’ that older pieces acquire, because of this we do not polish pieces to strip away the age (though your local jeweller may be willing to do this for you for a small fee). Secondhand, vintage and antique pieces will naturally show scratches and small marks, these will often appear more noticeable in the enlarged images that we have made available for you. Our images are as realistic as they can be. Although any appreciable defects/damages will be mentioned please do inspect the images as they do form a part of the condition report.
Antique items may longer not be suitable for everyday wear or may benefit from thoughtful consideration when worn with care.
A pair of unusual Victorian gold and coral earrings.
Each designed as an elongated oval corallium rubrum cabochon forming the shank of a golden anchor, suspended from a trace-link chain to a bead and hook surmount. The coral are a well matched mottled light to medium pinky orange.
Coral was thought to arise from the petrified seaweed covered in the blood from Medusa’s head and as such could cure snake bites or poison, warding off the evil eye.
Pliny described coral as being used to quiet tempests and ensure that the wearer would be safe from lightning. It calmed seas, protecting sailors and their vessels from wind and waves in all waters, al,l of which ties this together beautifully with the associations of the anchor with steadfastness and seafaring.
Perfect gift for a 35th wedding anniversary.
Coral untested for natural colour origin.
Marks:
Apparently unmarked with regard metal or maker.
Main body electronically tests as approximately 12ct gold.
Chain and surmounts electronically test as approximately 9ct gold.
Date:
Late Victorian, circa 1860-1880.
Length:
5.3cms.
Length of main panels 3.2cms.
Condition:
Surmount and chains are possible replacements.
Few dark polyp holes visible to the coral.
Slight discolouration to the reverse of the anchors.
By clicking to ‘Purchase’ you agree to having read the Important Information for Purchasers.
Our primary concern is that you are pleased with your purchase. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about a product before clicking purchase. We appreciate patina and the ‘age’ that older pieces acquire, because of this we do not polish pieces to strip away the age (though your local jeweller may be willing to do this for you for a small fee). Secondhand, vintage and antique pieces will naturally show scratches and small marks, these will often appear more noticeable in the enlarged images that we have made available for you. Our images are as realistic as they can be. Although any appreciable defects/damages will be mentioned please do inspect the images as they do form a part of the condition report.
Antique items may longer not be suitable for everyday wear or may benefit from thoughtful consideration when worn with care.