Drop of Red : Antique Mediterranean Salmon Coral “Grape” Brooch circa 1920

A charming “bunch of grapes” brooch made in Italy in the early decades of the 20th Century from Mediterranean coral, most likely corallium rubrum. This piece came from the same collection as the graduated coral bead necklace in another listing. I dare say they were purchased together as souvenirs of a wonderful summer holiday. Manufacture:  Modelled in silver with a light gilding, stamped 800 to the back of the bar brooch for silver in a combination of cast and handmade components. The bunch of grapes is made by threading coral beads onto several strands of silver wire. It is fully three-dimensional and finishes with three handmade engraved gilt leaves and silver gilt grape tendrils. The bar brooch at the top also features a string of matching salmon coral beads threaded on silver wire. The coral is natural and undyed, deep salmon orange in colour. Most likely the mediterranean coral corallium rubrum – a slow growing coral that was once plentiful in the Mediterranean but now scarce and heavily controlled. The brooch closes with a roll-over safety clasp. Condition:  Good condition, ready for immediate wear.