Gemmologist’s Corner - Vintage Coral

Vintage coral invokes images of Mediterranean getaways and dreamy summer days which is why it is the perfect gem for inspiring us and brightening up an outfit during the summer months.

Precious coral that is used in jewellery varies in colour from blood red to pale pink and comes from the skeletons of marine invertebrates, it occurs in tropical and subtropical oceans, much coral seen in Europe comes from the Italian coastal regions.

It is one of the few organic materials used as a gem and has been used as adornment since Roman times when it was hung around the necks of women and children to protect them.

It became especially popular in the Georgian era and you will see many portraits of women in this period wearing coral jewellery, it remained popular through the Victorian era and right up to today.

Much Mediterranean Coral comes from Italy where it is a huge industry, when fashioned into beads, cabochons, cameos and objects primitive tools are still used to grind, polish and drill.

Coral is often imitated but can easily be distinguished by it’s dark radii in the structure. It is a relatively soft material so care should be taken when wearing it.

We have a selection of coral pieces in our up – coming auction

Lot 272 is a coral cabochon ring estimated at €600 – 800,

lot 246 a beaded necklace €150 – 250,

289 and 104 are both drop earrings estimated to sell at €400 / 450