A stunning, French 19th century pair of Coral day/night earrings with detachable coral drops for evening wear, and a sweet rose for daytime wear. These earrings feature a large rose bud at the top, two smaller buds on the long part of the earring, two rose hips, and one large Damascus at the very bottom. An outstanding, all original pair of french 18ct coral earrings.

In the Victorian era, wearing coral was thought to promote good health.

The deeper meaning of coral leads back to ancient Romans. The story of Perseus, the sea monster, tells that coral the petrified seaweed covered in the blood of Medusa's head. Poseidon used the stone in his palace as well, making coral a prominent component of mythology. The Romans believed in the luck of coral, a sentiment revived by the Victorian era. Children often wore the stone-- it has been, for centuries, associated with fertility, the child being the fruit of a union, and appreciated as an artful material to carve and celebrate through a re-interpretation of its natural shape. 

Materials and Features: 18k gold, carved coral

Age/Origin: French, c. 1850-1860

Measurements: 2.10" in length, 3.5g

Condition: Very good condition- please have an up close look at the photos to note they are in mint condition, save what might be one coral leaf that is no longer present, or was never added in the first place, deviating from symmetry. 

Please view and inspect any photos closely. We endeavor to fully disclose all condition information clearly and concisely, however, please note that what qualifies as excellent condition for historical jewelry differs from modern and contemporary pieces; please take the age of the piece into account when examining the piece. Minor age wear is typical and to be expected for antique and vintage jewelry. Unless otherwise stated, gemstones have not been officially graded for color, clarity, or treatment by GIA; any information provided is our own educated, professional assessment.