Victorian era 9K gold sculptured coral fruit earrings
A rare and exquisite pair of Victorian-era earrings, these 9K gold treasures celebrate the natural beauty of the Mediterranean Sea through meticulously carved coral. Each earring features a sculptural branch adorned with miniature fruits and foliage, masterfully hand-carved to evoke the lush fullness and ripeness of real, juicy fruit.
The reddish-orange hue of the coral radiates warmth and vitality, adding a joyful and playful spirit to these ornaments. The intricate detail of the carving — from the delicate veins of the leaves to the plump contours of the fruit — is a testament to the remarkable artistry of 19th-century goldsmiths and lapidaries.
Coral has long been revered not only for its beauty but also for its symbolism and protective qualities. During the 18th and 19th centuries, coral was among the most beloved materials in European jewelry, prized for both its aesthetic allure and its associations with health, protection, and vitality. Mediterranean red and orange coral, in particular, was seen as exotic and luxurious, often worn by aristocratic women and children alike. Its organic origins and rich color made it a natural complement to the Romantic and naturalistic themes popular in the Victorian era.
Today, pieces like these earrings are celebrated not only for their beauty but also as enduring artifacts of a bygone era of craftsmanship and symbolism.
The antique earrings box on the photos is for display only.
Measurements and condition
In overall good antique condition with traces of use and oxidation.
Natural pits, growing lines and hairlines on the corals.
The color of the corals appears in slightly different tones (stronger/lighter hue of reddish orange) under different lightings.
A hallmark is stamped on each side of the earrings.
The earrings are also acid tested for 9K gold.
Width: 19mm
Length: 22mm
Weight: 5.9g
Choose options