V RARE! Antique Victorian Red Coral Parure, in Box, 18k gold, Bracelet, Brooch +

Magnificent near-pristine boxed set, “parure”, Early Victorian carved red coral bracelet, brooch, earrings to match. The presentation case is exquisite, to begin, and has housed the old Italian carved coral set beautifully. The box notes a jeweler in Venice, but we think of these as coming from Naples area. Perfectly fitted to the case, absolutely original. The matrix for brooch, and also bracelet tests at 18k. I would have thought only 14k but acid test has been done on all but earring wires. They might be 14k. such a RARE find! I know our competition for this set right now is another very similar set, almost exact box, and it is just a hair under $20,000. Last time I was in Paris, I found a full parure with these pieces and also a necklace to match, and the tag was 114,000 euro (in tiny jewelry boutique in the 6th arr.) and another at the Louvre Antiqaires’ boutique, tagged 156,000 euro. The market on fine early carved red coral is a bit crazy. In Taormina, Italy, there is another full parure at 226,000 euro. The only others I’ve found are in museum collections, the V&A, London; Louvre, Paris; Hermitage, St. Petersburg – you get the idea. I really hate to part with mine, but it’s time to downsize my own collections and begin to retire. Do not miss this one. I bought it well and will pass along my good fortune.

Very good to excellent condition throughout. Total weight is 59.7 grams, but no way to factor out the 18k gold matrix and bracelet parts. It’s a lot of red coral. Bracelet is also larger than most old ones, will fit a 7.25″ wrist or smaller. The band is 3/4″ wide and jointed at each pin. Polished beautifully, it glides on the wrist and gathers compliments with east. The cartouche of the bracelet is 2 3/8″ by 1 3/4″, arched, and missed one leaf (one empty prong, and has a little gold wire restoration visible from underside, effecting 2 pieces. I don’t even see any broken petals, though, and it is full and gorgeous. The carved fruits and flowers remain magnificently well preserved. As mentioned, I don’t see any broken ones, but perhaps a missing small leaf at tops of earrings (1 vacant wire remains, and seems likely each one would have had 2 rather than 1 tiny leaf at the top). The box is in very good condition, also. Interior silk velvet has faded some, no rips, tears.  Watch for other of my personal collections to be listed in weeks, months ahead. Mark our shop and visit often for the finest antiques. We appreciate you – all these many years!