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Classical Carved Red Coral 18K Gold Double-Sided Amulet Medallion Necklace

About the Item

Beautiful, estate double-sided natural red coral 18K yellow gold medallion on 18K yellow gold chain depicting Venus and Vulcan. 20th Century Medallion: 42mm by 32mm Chain length: 450 mm Red coral has been associated with protective amuletic powers for thousands of years. Italian coral jewelry is prized for the quality of workmanship which goes back to the early 19th century. In 1805, King Ferdinand IV granted a licence to Paul Barthelemy Martin, a successful coral broker from the South of France to run the Real Fabbrica de Coralliwas, specializing in fine carved coral jewelery, objects and cameos. The location of this enterprise was in the port town of Torre del Greco, situated between Naples and Pompeii. Martin was given a ten year coral-working monopoly and proceeded to train local artisans to create beautifully detailed coral jewels and carvings worthy of Royal patronage. Torre del Greco remains the epicenter of Italian coral jewelry, catering to international clientelle. Many of the pieces are in the collections of museums worldwide. Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Boucheron are among the jewelers who commissioned Torre del Greco artisans to create coral carvings for their designs. The double-sided medallion depicts Vulcan standing at his anvil with one hand raised to strike his forge while Venus is portrayed in profile on the other side. Vulcan was the God of Fire, son of Jupiter and Juno and husband to Venus. A talented blacksmith who created jewelry, arms and armor, thrones and chariots, his smithy was believed to be underneath Mount Etna in Sicily. Vulcanalia, the festival of Vulcan, is celebrated each year of August 23. Vulcan is the patron god to trades related to fire including chefs, bakers, confectioners, metalsmiths and jewelers. Condition: Very good commensurate with age, lovely patina to the coral
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