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!
