Mediterranean coral has been an important part of the folk costumes of many cultures, and one of the first that comes to mind is the "Tracht" (think dirndl and lederhosen) of Germany and Austria. Long associated with health, protection, and status, both pink and red coral were (and still are) worn in the form of pins, necklaces, and hair accessories such as combs and hairpins. While the soft, mottled salmon pink coral of this beautiful lozenge shaped cluster pin came from the waters o the Mediterranean Sea, the pin itself would have been constructed in Germany or Austria. The clue that gives it away is the use of 8k, or 333 purity gold for the sweet, swirling wirework frame. 8k gold was legally recognized as the minimum standard for gold jewelry, meaning that we can date this beautiful piece to the last decade or so of the 19th century. The cluster of 11 coral "buttons," shaped like a bar and flower, is accented with two impossibly tiny bezel set seed pearls, possibly representing purity. The gold has a warm, rosy glow that perfectly offsets the pale salmon color of the coral.
This pin is in excellent condition. It measures 1.5" wide and 1" tall. It is stamped 333, along with a maker's mark (either HD or CH)
