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Your Antique Coral & Cameo Connection * Credit Cards Direct * Elegant Boxes FREE Worldwide Shipping
The hand made cannetille clasp and findings measure 1 1/2" and are fashioned from solid, at a minimum, 14K gold (electronically tested between 14k and 18K, guaranteed at least 14K). The actual color is closer to 18K yellow gold, being more golden than 14K yellow gold. Cannetille was a type of wirework decoration popular during the early to middle 1800's, which uses coiled and twisted gold wire to achieve a delicate and scrolling effect. The clasp closes with an antique loop closure that is very simple yet amazingly secure. There is a small piece of cannetille ornamentation missing on the clasp, from one of the findings to the side of the clasp and the thin covering in the middle of the back of the clasp is slightly crumpled. I have not had anything altered or replaced for reasons of authenticity, as it is hardly noticeable. The necklace has just been restrung with red silk cord. The necklace in its entirety is in excellent original (except restringing) condition and ready to wear. Wonderfully fine for a piece over 200 years old.
The coral beads on this necklace are beautifully carved, matched, polished and strung with a perfect lie from their hefty weight. The beads are a very uniform in color being as red as red can be. The craftsmanship is as only the Italian coral masters can provide and this is the absolute finest Italian coral available in the world.
These are truly beautiful strands of beads from the earliest formal Italian coral mining times when this coral was in good supply, but very hard to get to. It is truly exceptional for Sardinian coral even at that time. Sardinia is located in the Mediterranean Sea off the southwestern coast of Italy and its name has become synonymous with the finest red coral ever available, possessing truly deep, dense and uniform coral tones.
When purchasing vintage or antique beaded necklaces, be sure to check if they are in need of restringing. We guarantee the stringing on all of our necklaces for 90 days. Although there is a definitive allure of original stringing, it is only appropriate for display and not wear. Coral and pearl necklaces should be restrung if there has been any stretch to the string or it appears darkened whatsoever. Do not attempt to soak beads to clean the string--it will only weaken the string, leading to breakage and the heartbreak of having your beads fall over the floor.
We have seen confusion around the world and other sites as to the naming of coral colors. The primary colors of precious coral are red, oxblood red, salmon (peach), pink, angelskin, white, blush and everything in between. We tend to follow the designations of the fine Italian coral artisans, as they are the best in the world (as is their coral). All are Mediterranean and red is known as Sardinian, oxblood is more purplish red and usually also Sardinian, SOLID salmon or dark peachy pink is Sciacca, and SOLID pink is angelskin. This last one deviates from the origin of the name angelskin, which refers to the more white color with a uniform pink hue (like the skin of an angel). We also consider this to be angelskin as most of the world does (except the Italians, who call it pink coral). I have emphasized Solid above because this is the very finest coral in the world and the colors are very, very uniform. They may have a little black (crevasses) or white spots (veins) but are in general very uniform in color and the variances assure you the coral is undyed and natural. The degree of there uniformity is a grading consideration similar to how diamonds might be graded as to color. These SOLID colors (Sardinian, Sciacca, Angelskin) along with SOLID white (Ionian Sea and VERY, VERY rare as the lack of light to achieve pigmentation is only found at extreme depths) are the most precious and valuable corals in the world. Blush and other variations can also be precious coral (primarily if they are Mediterranean), although not quite as valuable as solid colors, but still investment grade, durable and beautiful. Black coral is becoming more popular and the finest grades are being found in the South Seas (Hawaii) and the Caribbean. It is less dense, but very pretty and unusual. Corals from other regions may be classified gem quality, but very rarely reach precious grade and should be much, much less expensive and valuable. Unless you are looking for non-investment grade, costume coral jewelry, avoid coral described as gemstone quality (AAA, AA, A, etc), sponge, apple, root, brain, Batti, dyed, treated, crushed, reconstituted etc.
This necklace is from my personal collection and I guarantee you will be pleased with its high quality. The beads lay just beautifully upon your neck and the color is ever so beautiful and warm. Italian coral prices have skyrocketed because of existing coral harvesting bans and disappearance of the coral beds themselves due to unabashed harvesting in the past. The result is that the coral jewelry market is red hot and truly an investment that will only grow in value. Plus, you can actually wear it! I have had many request for more coral bead pieces, so I have listed this one of my multiple strands as I try my best to acquire more.
We have rings, earrings and brooches that are good matches if you want to go for a to-die-for suite or parure.
Chinese, South Sea, Tibetan, Caribbean, Hawaiian and other lesser warm water corals cannot compare and remain quite inferior and inexpensive, and I believe this will continue. It is less dense (more porous) and most often dyed.
I guarantee this is a necklace you will include amongst your finest jewelry. I have received so many compliments as it is so beautiful on and wondrously elegant. The lovely true red coral color truly lights up the decollete! You most likely will never see another like it for Georgian coral necklaces are extremely rare, with multi-strand red necklaces being the rarest of all. One of a kind uniqueness, craftsmanship and color to die for. The best of the best.
AND GENTLEMEN, there is nothing like the gift of red coral jewelry for ANY occasion or season! It not only is a fashion statement but a wise investment that can be worn and enjoyed. Coral is ALWAYS a classic and class gift choice. Any ladies eyes would light up when opening this beautiful necklace! I could not imagine not having gems like these in my collection. They are the most cherished jewelry that I have and I am so lucky my husband loves them as much and has lavished them on me for over 30 years. Coral is also the gem of the 35th anniversary. Mine is coming up and you can bet I know what my man will do.
For a wonderful present, give a gift from the past!
So let Cameo Couture be your coral connection so you will always be confident and assured that you are receiving the highest quality antique and vintage precious coral that is guaranteed and has been professionally cleaned and inspected, ready to present and wear.
We guarantee all our coral jewelry to be the finest quality Mediterranean coral unless otherwise stated. Do not be fooled by Tibetan, South Sea, or other lower grades of coral. Coral, like all gemstones, comes in many different qualities and this item is the real thing, guaranteed!
All of our jewelry comes professionally cleaned and conditioned with instructions on how to care for them for generations to come. This beauty will be delivered in a fine rosewood display box befitting its value and just perfect for gift giving. You can never go wrong with the selection of genuine coral jewelry. It is the perfect accessory for any occasion.
Always free shipping in the USA with a no hassle return policy. We want our customers to love our pieces as much as we do. If for ANY reason you do not, we are happy to refund your purchase price and the return shipping. And none of those ridiculous restocking fees at Cameo Couture. NEVER will be. We pledge and guarantee every item we sell will be loved or totally refunded so you can try whatever appeals to you hassle free.
Item ID: RL-00599
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Rarest of the Rare, Best of the Best.
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