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,

 

Mounted onto yellow gold. Coral overall well matched in colour, softer orange than illustrated in the catalogue. Traces of glue throughout, some carved elements cracked, some very small chips to a few leaves, consistent with age and wear. A few small leaves or elements deficient. Three loops to reverse of necklace, pendant loop to reverse of brooch. Secure clasp to necklace and bracelet. Case has had several repairs, traces of glue, hinge broken, lid lifts off, velvet interior marked and discoloured in places, exterior scuffed. Rare and well preserved parure. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

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 we❀re in Genoa and Naples, and coral was the height of fashion. Very few parures have survived in such good condition.