Another exquisite example of Italian coral carving skills during the 19th century, this stellar pin features a profusion of carved leaves, flowers and fruit. Bright salmon colored Mediterranean coral, with its pink-orange glow and lustrous shine, is fashioned into thin leaves, small flowers resembling rosebuds, and glossy ripe fruit. I think the fruit are intended to resemble either persimmon, quince, or rosehip. All of the carved components are set onto gold stems, which are all attached to a large, central coral branch. This pin dates to the mid 19th century. The color is a bit more salmon pink than orange- the truest indicator of color is the photo of the pin being worn on a black background.
All gold tests as 14k gold. There is a single empty stem at the top, which most likely held a small leaf. There are no broken, chipped, or cracked parts, although there are some superficial lines in a few of the fruit- they are not cracks and do not reach the surface. There are some spots which show "imperfections" (natural features) of the coral, such as a small carved fruit right next to the pin clasp, but these are not actual flaws, merely an indication that the coral is natural and untreated. There is some visible variation in color throughout, but again, this is an indication that the coral is undyed and untreated.
Pin measures about 2.25" long, nearly 2" wide. The pin stem measures 1.75" long and fastens with a C-clasp
