Coral parure, 1840s. Photo Sotheby's

Comprising: a necklace, tiara, bracelet, brooch, and a pair of pendent earrings; each decorated with carved coral cherubs among an abundance of carved coral flowers and buds including roses and dahlias, fruit such as pomegranate, pears, peaches and acorns on a bed of leaves; the bracelet to a four row coral bead back, mounted onto yellow gold, necklace length approximately 440mm, bracelet length approximately 190mm, tiara inner circumference approximately 275mm, original fitted case, a few small coral elements deficient. Estimate 50,000 — 80,000 CHF. Unsold

NOTE: In Greek mythology coral was believed to be the petrified blood of Medusa. Accused of having an affair with Poseidon, the god of the sea, Athena, punished the beautiful and proud Medusa by transforming her into a gorgon. Her hair became a mass of coiling serpents, her neck scaly and her hands were turned into bronze. She was said to petrify anyone looked at her.
The coral parure offered above is an extremely precious and fine example of a Mid 19th Century parure. At that time, the main carving workshops were in Genoa and Naples, and coral was the height of fashion. Very few parures have survived in such good condition.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels, Noble Jewels and Jewels from the Collection of Lily Marinho. Geneva | 15 May 2008 - www.sothebys.com