Victorian Coral Reptile Pendant
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A very unusual antique gold and coral pendant, dating from the late 19th century.
It depicts a lizard (or other reptile) crafted from coral. The head is mounted in gold, carefully engraved with the tongue is cheekily poking out. The lizard is set with garnet gemstone eyes and the coral for the arms and legs has been carved to depict tiny hands and feet.
It hails from the Victorian era, a time when jewellery often held rich symbolism. Mediterranean coral was highly valued during this period, believed to bring protection and good fortune to the wearer. An association dating back to ancient Roman times, where coral jewellery was believed to have talismanic properties and branches of coral were hung around their children's necks to safeguard them from danger.
Jewellery designed in the shape of animals and insects was particularly popular - some even believed that when worn as a charm, the animals unique traits could be transferred onto the wearer. The lizard, a rare and meaningful motif, symbolised resilience and adaptability - qualities celebrated by Victorian society. Conversation-starting ‘novelty jewellery’ like this always added some whimsy and humour to an outfit.
The pendant measures 4cm by 6cm, and has a weight of 6 grams.The gold is unmarked but the gold tests as 18K. The pendant is in good condition, all the coral limbs are securely set. A typically Victorian bizarre novelty pendant!
A very unusual antique gold and coral pendant, dating from the late 19th century.
It depicts a lizard (or other reptile) crafted from coral. The head is mounted in gold, carefully engraved with the tongue is cheekily poking out. The lizard is set with garnet gemstone eyes and the coral for the arms and legs has been carved to depict tiny hands and feet.
It hails from the Victorian era, a time when jewellery often held rich symbolism. Mediterranean coral was highly valued during this period, believed to bring protection and good fortune to the wearer. An association dating back to ancient Roman times, where coral jewellery was believed to have talismanic properties and branches of coral were hung around their children's necks to safeguard them from danger.
Jewellery designed in the shape of animals and insects was particularly popular - some even believed that when worn as a charm, the animals unique traits could be transferred onto the wearer. The lizard, a rare and meaningful motif, symbolised resilience and adaptability - qualities celebrated by Victorian society. Conversation-starting ‘novelty jewellery’ like this always added some whimsy and humour to an outfit.
The pendant measures 4cm by 6cm, and has a weight of 6 grams.
The gold is unmarked but the gold tests as 18K. The pendant is in good condition, all the coral limbs are securely set. A typically Victorian bizarre novelty pendant!
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