During the Roman era, branches of coral were hung around children’s necks to protect them from danger. By the Georgian period - when these coral cabochons were carved into rosettes - coral was still believed to possess protective powers. It remained a popular material for jewelry given to young women and children, who were thought to be especially vulnerable to illness. Each coral cabochon is gently carved with an abstract cross-hatched texture and set in a closed silver setting with a gold-washed interior. The split shoulders are characteristic of the period.
MATERIALS: 10k gold (tests), silver, 4 carved coral cabochons (2 4mm, 2 4.7mm)
AGE: c. 1820
CONDITION: Very good - minor dent in the shank, engraved striations along the shank are worn away in places
SIZE: 6, can be resized; 5.3mm head, 1.8mm shank