Coral Necklaces & Pendants

Coral is one of the few organic materials as prized as pearls or amber, in part because of its brilliant color and relative softness, which allowed for easy polishing and carving by cultures over the ages. Today, it is becoming increasingly protected in the wild.

The most coveted type of coral is species known as “Corallium rubrum.” It is known for its recognizable branching and range of color from melon pink to deep red, and it is predominant along the coast of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Given this geographic preference, it is not a coincidence that the ancient Greeks and Romans incorporated coral into their jewelry designs, and they also used it as a talisman for children to dispel disease. At virtually the same time, East Asian jewelers also experimented with coral, developing brilliantly bright coral beaded pieces. Coral charms and pendants were popular through the Renaissance as a similar portent of good luck, a connotation that stuck well into the 19th century.

Quick Facts

• The ancient Greeks believed coral originated from the blood of Medusa. When Perseus set her head next to the banks of a river, a small rivulet of her blood poured into the waters and transformed nearby seaweed into coral
• Coral was second to turquoise in its popularity among Native American tribes from the 16th and 17th centuries. Given access to coral from European traders and explorers, artists capitalized by incorporating the brilliant shades into their pieces
• Wealthy families of the Victorian era often purchased elegant coral baby teethers. Typically constructed of a smoothed branch of coral inset in a gold or silver mount, such a teether was not so much practical as it was precious