A rare treat for me to find, these antique coral button earrings date to the late 1800s and are made of Sardinian corallium rubrum likely from the Sciacca deposit – an ancient coral forest that was sustained and then destroyed by volcanic activity hundreds of years ago. Manufacture: The stud earrings are made from a carved coral bead, and set with a 9ct gold post and fastening with a butterfly clasp. One butterfly clasp is marked with the old 9ct hallmark, the gold fineness of the posts has been confirmed by XRF test. The chubby coral cabochons are domed at the front and back, giving them a “button” shape. They are slightly different in size, a fact that is not noticeable when worn – also a nod to their veracity as hand carved antique corals. One earring has a diameter of 12.36mm and a depth of 8mm, the other a diameter of 11.61mm and a depth of 8mm. Weighs 3.94 grams (pair) Condition: Excellent antique condition, the corals are absolutely flawless, although there is some glue visible around each earring post cap. I haven’t cleaned this up this for fear of making a mess – as they say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
