I know its long past Christmas now, but I wanted to share a special gift I recieved with you, as I thought it might be of interest to other historical costume enthusiasts!
I mentioned once to Jordan, many months ago in passing, that I had always wanted a real coral necklace to wear with my Regency dresses. Well, he remembered, and guess what he got me for Christmas?
This darling coral bead necklace, in the loveliest shade of pink.
I had never seen coral in person before, it was quite different from what I expected. I thought it would be lightweight, almost like some kind of organic plastic. (don't know where I got that idea...)
But the beads are very heavy for their size and feel just like polished glass.
I had seen portraits and heard of simple coral bead necklaces being popular during the 18th Century and Regency era, but once I started researching, I was astounded at how many eras in which this simple piece of jewelry seems to be fashionable!
Basically from what I've seen.....ancient times to modern...(correct me if I'm wrong!)
Isn't that incredible??
Here are a few paintings from different periods to illustrate:
Domenico Ghirlandaio (1449-1494)
Portrait of a Young Woman
Portrait of a girl by Domenico Ghirlandaio c. 1485
Regency Portrait
and Holding a Red Rose,
(apparently coral was deemed especially appropriate for children)
Late Regency Portrait - Coral Necklace & Earrings
Princess Murat, 1854 Winterhalter portrait. Coral necklace and brooch.
Mid 19th C. Portrait by Jean-Jackques Henner
Maria Sawiczewska in coral jewlery, 1861 Löffler portrait.
'Girl with a Coral Necklace' by Eugene Edward Speicher (1882-1962)
Coral bead necklace c.1818
Carved cameo coral necklace c. 1860
Further reading on historical coral jewelry:
Where to buy:
Red coral Renaissance necklace
So, expect to see my new favorite necklace inclulded in many different historical ensembles!
So, expect to see my new favorite necklace inclulded in many different historical ensembles!
Oh how lovely!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved the look of coral jewelry. The portraits are so interesting. I didn't know coral was so popular throughout the centuries!
Thanks for sharing!
Marguerite
It's really pretty! I love how coral looks. I had no idea that it was used so much over the years.
ReplyDeleteVery lovely!
ReplyDeleteBut... the only thing I miss here is a picture of you... with your coral... and your Regency dress!!!
Hello! I've been admiring your blog from some time, and today I found one mistake ... in description of photo ;) I'm from Poland and there is photo of Polish woman. Your photo is titled " Marii Sawiczewskiej in coral jewelry", that's not exactly her name. It's our form of speeling, when we are asking for her. Her right name is "Maria Sawiczewska", and that's how it's used in English ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd your necklace is really lovely ;)
Looking forward to see your wedding dress!
Fobmroweczka,
ReplyDeletethanks so much for letting me know! :) I had no idea - but it should be fixed now!
Elizabeth, I know I know! lol. I wanted to get a pic, but just didn't have time for a photohsoot. Hoping to attend a Regency event next summer, though, so I'd love to wear it then...
Fobmroweczka,
ReplyDeletethanks so much for letting me know! :) I had no idea - but it should be fixed now!
Elizabeth, I know I know! lol. I wanted to get a pic, but just didn't have time for a photohsoot. Hoping to attend a Regency event next summer, though, so I'd love to wear it then...
You two are seriously sweet together. :)
ReplyDeleteThere is a lovely children's book, Hitty, Her First Hundred Years, by Rachel Field, which is set in the early 19th C. In it the little girl's sea captain father brings home as a gift for her, a coral necklace. I have never forgotten that. Your necklace is a wonderful gift.
ReplyDelete