19th Century Mediterranean Red Coral Amulet

A wonderful 19th Century Mediterranean bright red coral and turquoise amulet, with a decorative hand embossed silver setting. The fishtail braided chain is also silver, but 20th century. 

The ancient Romans believed that red coral was the hardened blood of Medusa, who died in the sea when Perseus killed her- it was abundant in the coral reeds along the coasts of Italy at the time. In the Middle Ages, red coral jewellery was often featured in portraits and depictions of Christ as a child often included a coral amulet around his neck, typical for wealthy babies of that period, and deemed suitable for teething on. As was also for the Romans, red coral was deemed to be a powerful form of protection. 

Approx 2 7/8" length (including silver setting) x 1 1/4" width - 12" chain.