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Victorian 15ct Gold Pear Shaped Neapolitan Coral Drop Earrings

346P/PR
Rare Find
Written by Olly Gerrish

A good pair of original natural coral drop earrings that were made in Italy circa 1860. The tops are bouton beads and the bottoms are pear shaped. 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. Whole suites of jewellery were sold in wonderful tooled cases. These earrings were probably part of a suite.

Ollys Pick

I love the natural colour of the coral

Item Number
346P/PR
Measurements
Height 3.5cm
width at widest point 1cm
Materials
Date & Origin
Victorian (1839-1901)
Italian coral mounted in England
Provenance
Italian coral mounted in England
Hallmarks
Unmarked, tested to 15ct gold
Condition
Very Good
Discovered
4 years ago
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