Goddess Flora : Antique Mediterranean Coral Cameo Pendant in 9ct Gold

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An antique pendant in 9ct gold from the Victorian Era, circa 1860. The deep red coral has been hand carved in high relief into the bust of the Goddess Flora – the Roman goddess of springtime and  flowering plants. She can be identified by the wreath of flowers and leaves in her hair. This piece is quite likely Italian in origin, purchased as a souvenir from a Grand Tour of Europe by one of the fashionable elite.

The very best coral was found on the coast of the Mediterranean sea, and Italian jewellers were famed for their use of it. Unfortunately the coral was over-collected leading to the current situation whereby it is a protected resource. Today most of the coral reefs all over the world are in very poor health due to rising sea temperatures and ocean pollution. The very best quality coral is now something only found in antique jewellery.

Materials:
The natural, deep red un-dyed coral cameo measures 19.4mm x 12.75mm x 6.2mm. It is bezel set into an unmarked 9ct gold frame.
Weighs 2.7 grams.

This piece was originally a stick pin. We converted it into a pendant by removing the pin and repurposing it as the bail, leaving all the pin fixings at the back of the cameo in place. Should stick pins every become popular again in the future, this piece will convert neatly back again.

Condition:
The coral cameo is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. It is possible to see the growth lines of the coral if you look very carefully, but these are a natural part of the jewel and attest to its authenticity. The 9ct setting is in original condition with a new pendant bail fashioned from the old stick pin.

**please note the chain is not included, it is shown here for styling purposes only.