Antique 15K & Carved Coral Goddess Flora Necklace

 Flora was a Roman goddess of flowers, Spring, and fertility. Although a relatively minor deity, the Romans celebrated Spring with a festival in her name. Her festival, the Floralia, was held between April 28 and May 3 and symbolized the renewal of the cycle of life, drinking, and flowers. The festival was first instituted in 240 B.C.E., and it is documented that she was also given a temple. An additional Rose Festival was held in her honor on May 23. Flora also symbolized love, beauty, and abundance. The flower often associated with Flora was the rose, which is a symbol representing love and beauty.

Coral has been integrated into jewelry design for centuries, and is considered a talisman of protection. It was popularized in fine jewelry once the upper classes began taking 'The Grand Tour' during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

What a wonderful background for this exotic, romantic and astonishing necklace! Carved of the most sought after shade of bright orange coral, it is comprised of carved coral beads with one dozen graduating finely carved head dangling pendants and a large pendant, all representing the goddess Flora and her followers. A very rare piece worthy of a museum exhibit and a celebration of female power and beauty!

Details (approximate)

Dimensions: 18", 19.5" with pendant

Materials: Gold, Carved Coral

Metal: 15K yellow gold

Marks: None

LOK

Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear