Victorian Coral Necklace

A beautiful early Victorian coral necklace. The 160 round coral beads range in size from 4.40 mm to 8.50 mm and are a mid-orange colour. The necklace measures 55.50 cm in length and is complimented by a 9ct yellow gold clasp. Coral was highly prized in the Romantic period, remaining in vogue until 1865. Worn to ward off the evil eye and protect children from danger, it was the height of fashion for this period. Coral ranges in colour from pale pink to red with the darker the redness of colour, the more highly prized it is as a gemstone. 

The Victorian Period (1837 - 1901):




The Victorian Period defined by none other than Queen Victoria herself, had three stages - the Romantic, the Grand and the Aesthetic.

It was during the Romantic era that Queen Victoria married her Prince, Albert. Sentimental motifs such as; hearts, lover’s knots, flowers, bows, crescent moons and particularly serpents (which was subject to Queen Victoria’s engagement ring which represented enduring love) became extremely popular in jewellery design. Cameos, Enamelling and the use of bright coloured gemstones such as; garnets, amethysts, turquoise, pearls and diamonds gave way to the creation of jewellery that was beginning to speak a symbolic language of its own.






The Grand era was a sombre period which saw Queen Victoria mourning the death of her beloved husband Albert. It encompassed 20 years during which time Victoria would only wear black and mourning jewellery. As a result the Whitby Jet industry flourished and onyx and deeper coloured garnets rose in popularity. Rings, lockets and brooches were commissioned with compartments for a lock of a loved one’s hair and were often engraved with the person’s name, age and date of death.






The Aesthetic era saw a return to the light-heartedness of the Romantic Era. The discoveries being made through archaeology led to an Etruscan Revival with Greek, Roman and Renaissance influences becoming apparent in jewellery design as well as symbols of good luck and fortune.