Antique Edwardian Graduated Coral Bead Long Necklace (90cm)

One hundred and twenty-four graduated natural coral beads form this statement long necklace from the Edwardian period. Admired for thousands of years the vibrant natural colours of coral have symbolised wealth and status. Coral is in-fact the limestone outer skeleton of the polyp, and the marbled pink examples seen here were likely to have grown in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Favoured during the Edwardian Period (1901-1910) tactile coral beads were worn and associated Venus, the ancient Roman goddess of love. Queen Alexandra was particularly fond of coral and possessed a large carved coral and gold brooch. The colour tones of this natural wonder complement many skin tones and worked extremely well with the fashions of the day. Paired with a beautiful jumper or crisp shirt this 90cm necklace is wearable as an everyday jewel. A coral set ball clasp enables it to be effortlessly taken on and off.