Antique Rosary French Catholic coral prayer beads crucifix Virgin Mary (7563)

Antique rosary. Gold, gilt metal, coral. Made in France late 19th century. Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman.   Not intended to be worn as a necklace or jewel, but to help prayers and count Hail Mary's. 
 

Measurements:

Weight is 9.7 grams. 12 3/4 inches (32.5cm) length with part double over. 

Description :

 
Rosary - beads to count prayers in the Roman Catholic religion. Classic form: 59 beads. Loop that converges to a pendant, another section of beads and ultimately a crucifix cross. 
Beautiful homogenously colored, round coral beads in a beautiful shade of orange. Beads form stations seperated by gold chain. The two sides of the 'necklace' part of the rosary unite in a triangular pendant sculpted on top to depict the Virgin Mary. Work very much in the late 19th century / Art Nouveau style.  A few more stations of beads and chains terminating in a gilt metal crucifix with fine detail. 

Marks and Metal:

No marks. Metal was tested as rolled gold (a layer of metal covered by a layer of gold). 
     

Condition:

Good with minor wear commensurate with age.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY:

Traditionally, France was a deeply religious Catholic country. Much antique French jewelry had a religious theme and crucifixes and rosaries were most prevalent. This rosary is both functional and highly attractive, with its beautiful orange beads composed of natural coral. 
This Rosary conforms to the norm of 59 beads. It can be carried over the wrist, hung from a belt or even, for some enthusiasts, hung from the mirror of your car.