Featured You already have enough corals! But not THESE corals!

Not buying vintage corals as frequently as before, but if I saw one I buy one.


Collecting momo corals gives you the simplest （tho not most economic) satisfaction! Adding an extra string of delicious beads never goes wrong, it always finds a place there!

 

I love your photos. You always take such care to make them beautiful and thought out. I did not think I was into strands like these, but you're convincing me. Clearly, you know how to market!

 

I am flattered this photo is just a casual shot by iPhone ( some pics I posted previously is taken by canon camera), but you can tell the beauty of corals is so easily captured without professional equipment needed!

 

You can never have enough coral!
And Momo coral is just beautiful, you are lucky to live close to the source.

I shouldn't complain, the Netherlands still has an abundance of old Mediterranean coral. Once worn with Dutch regional costumes, and the Dutch love of coral has gone on to this day.
We even call one colour 'old Dutch'. It is a sort of salmony red, the shade Mediterranean red goes after a century or more. Sardinians go as far as to bleach newly harvested red coral to this shade especially for the Dutch market.

 

Old, Matte Mediterranean corals has its own charm! And I think they have a more antique touch- I once heard that even in ancient China, most corals used in artifacts are Mediterranean, not momo or aka ( which I dunno if 100% true!) I am also hunting for darker Mediterranean coral as Aka substitute

 

It is true. It was traded over the Silk Road. You also find it a lot of it in antique Tajik and Uzbek jewellery.

 

Antique Tajik necklace with Med red beads:


https://www.etsy.com/listing/550661946/antique-old-tajik-natural-coral-necklace

Antique Uzbek pendant with small Med red beads:


https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/object/uzbek-silver-necklace/

 

How delicious when coral meets pearl and turquoise!

 

Agree. A match made in heaven.

 

Michael Blacksmith-vault of dreams.

 

Who He, Bosko?

 

Michael Backman.

 

Oh, my! What a collection!
Thanks, AJ...an' you, too, Bosko!
Sweet little drooling interlude in my morning!

 

Look up to AJ's post (7th Post down) of the 'Antique Uzbek pendant with small Med red beads:' This is listed for sale on Blacksmith's site,here-
https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/object/uzbek-silver-necklace/
Blacksmith's inventory is sublime.

 

AJ- Would you say Blacksmith's descriptions of each piece is fairly accurate,do they seem to have some scholarly documentation to back them up ?
PS-I take him at face value,but I'm a layman.

 

Michael Backman's descriptions are usually accurate.
His research is excellent and he has some good advisors, for instance on ethnic jewellery. I have seen one or two keris attributions which were off, but that is the only thing.

 

I just realized having this as my first jewelry with corals. I bought it in a uk silver shop three years ago. Think it’s made in Nepal? A modern piece, but lovely in design

 

The turquoise looks Chinese, so I wouldn't be surprised. That Uzbek piece looks like it has amethyst in the center, flanked by garnet. Whoever wore that was high-status, and... don't we wish!

Coming from someone Dutch, this is not a surprise statement. I also happen to agree. I ended up with some today, set in gilt 800 silver.

 

Sweet...clean an' simple. I especially like the 6-part inlays of the Chinese Turquoise, nicely done...Thanks!

 

I'm guessing these are separate strands of corals? Just because you said you added a separate string. Regardless of that or not you've really managed to create a fantastic gradient of colour, like that is a set that would make a spectacular necklace. Dunno if that's your intention or not, just where my immediate thoughts went.

I have to ask, do you carry pictures of the previous coral strands you have, or was this just kind of lucky getting gradually darker/lighter shades?