By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
An incredibly rare and highly important antique naturalistic statement brooch, masterfully crafted during the mid-to-late Victorian era (circa 1870) in solid 9-karat yellow gold and legendary hand-carved Sciacca coral. Weighing a substantial 22.70 grams, this museum-quality piece is a stellar example of the romantic, nature-inspired high jewelry that characterized nineteenth-century Italian goldsmithing.
The undisputed hallmark of this heirloom is the material itself: natural sub-fossil coral from the historical banks of Sciacca, Sicily. Long exhausted, this specific variety is internationally coveted by collectors for its unique and vibrant color palette, ranging from soft salmon-pink to a rich, warm, golden-orange hue.
The three-dimensional, highly sculptural composition depicts a pair of lush, pendulous grape clusters. Dozens of perfectly hand-shaped round coral beads are individually articulated to form the juicy grapes, hanging gracefully beneath an exquisite canopy of naturalistic vine leaves, each meticulously hand-carved in high relief with realistic organic veining. Fine 9k yellow gold wires are twisted by hand into whimsical, coiled tendrils that hold the organic elements together in perfect harmony. Serving as a wearable piece of history and a phenomenal investment, this 22.70-gram brooch is an unforgettable acquisition for true connoisseurs of rare antique coral jewelry...
Category
1880s Italian Victorian Antique 9k Gold Brooches
MaterialsCoral, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold