Antique coral cross gold necklace

Antique coral cross gold necklace in yellow gold 18 karat. The necklace and its pendant are decorated with coral beads. Each trio of pearls is linked by delicate braided gold chains. The cross is decorated with a millegrain pattern and with a coral pearls at the ends. The clasp is a thin ratchet box. Religious jewel, probably from the South of France, Mediterranean Sea, middle of the 19th Century.

Eagle head hallmarks

Length of the necklace: 39 cm

Dimensions of the Cross: 3 cm x 1,9 cm

Weight : 3,90 gr

Gemological point: coral is a gem of organic origin. Only the branched calcareous trunks of certain corals are used in jewellery. Its colour is due to organic pigments close to carotene: varying from blood red to white, passing by the pink "angel skin". For a long time it was traditional to offer coral necklaces to infants to protect them from diseases. Coral was reputed to be protective, especially in the Mediterranean basin, in Italy and Corsica in particular.