Antique Victorian Necklace Gold Natural Crl Carved Cameo Etruscan Revival(5763

Antique Victorian Classic Revival 3-strand coral necklace with cameo pendant. 14k Gold and natural coral. Coral from Italy but cameo and necklace could be made in France or England. Made circa 1840-60.

Measurements: length of shortest top strand of coral is approximately 17 inches (44 cm). The 2 other strands are longer - the longest approximately 2 inches longer. Drop is approximately 1 1/4 inches (3.3 cm) not including the loops. Weighs 65.6 grams.

Coral of a beautiful deep orange color. 3 strands of beads are suspended from the gold bar clasp so that the bottom two drop en esclavage - in loops - below the top one. A gold clip in the center attached to loops, suspends a gold and coral carved cameo pendant. The gold arching around to show off the coral to better advantage. The coral is carved in the form of a beautiful woman of Classic style. She has flowers in her flowing, curly hair. She is very beautiful, classically proportioned and carved with very fine artistry. The whole makes a fabulous necklace.

Marks: the clasp is hallmarked 14k, indicating that the clasp might be slightly later than the rest of the necklace. Gold was acid tested as at least 14k.

Condition: good with natural wear commensurate with age. There are some tiny holes in the coral, which is natural and to be expected. Please see enlarged pictures for details. The necklace has certainly been restrung fairly recently and the stringing is in good shape. A coral cameo page 34 of Vivienne Becker's book on Antique and 20th Century Jewelry is very similar to this one and dated 1850-60.