Artisan Coral Necklace Appraisal

Genuine Coral Bead Necklace

This is a single-strand necklace composed entirely of spherical, polished coral beads. The coral exhibits a vibrant, uniform salmon-to-peachy orange color, characteristic of genuine coral, potentially Mediterranean or Japanese coral (Corallium rubrum or Corallium japonicum). Each bead appears to be individually hand-knotted on a string, which is a sign of quality craftsmanship, preventing loss of all beads if the strand breaks and reducing friction between the beads. The beads are relatively consistent in size, approximately 6-8mm in diameter, with a smooth, glossy finish that reflects light gently, indicating good polishing. No significant chips, cracks, or surface abrasions are immediately obvious from the provided image, suggesting the necklace is in good to excellent vintage condition. There are no visible clasps or closures in the image, implying it might be a continuous loop style or have a small, possibly hidden, clasp that is not in view. The slight variations in color intensity and subtle organic imperfections visible on some beads confirm their natural origin. The necklace is displayed on a black velvet mannequin bust, which provides a good contrast and highlights the coral's warm hue. Given the uniform bead size and classic design, this piece likely dates from the mid-20th century, a popular era for coral jewelry.