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Tiara

ca. 1850-ca. 1860 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This tiara is made from polished branches of coral. Coral is formed from the skeletons of tiny marine organisms. Most of the coral used in Victorian jewellery came from the seas around Italy, where it was fished between April and July.
Various imitations of coral were available from the late 1800s. These included early plastics, stained ivory, and French 'coraline', made of coloured alabaster.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Branch coral on gilt brass frame
Brief description
Tiara, branch coral on gilt brass frame, Italy, ca.1850-60
Physical description
Tiara, branch coral mounted on gilt brass frame.
Dimensions
  • Approx. width: 18.2cm
  • Approx. length: 21cm
  • Height: 19.5cm
  • Depth: 3.6cm
The object was measured as previously displayed.
Gallery label
(01/07/2023)
Coral kingdom

Some say that coral has the power to protect babies. Others say it comes from from the blood of an ancient monster… but scientists say it’s made from the skeletons of tiny sea critters.

Coral tiara
Unknown maker
About 1850–60
Italy
Museum no. CIRC.382-1960

[Young V&A, Imagine Gallery, Adventure, short object label]
Object history
Register: Tiara of branch coral mounted on a brass frame. probably Italian for the English market, about 1850-60. Similar to many such pieces sold by Philips of Cockspur Street 1850-80.
Summary
This tiara is made from polished branches of coral. Coral is formed from the skeletons of tiny marine organisms. Most of the coral used in Victorian jewellery came from the seas around Italy, where it was fished between April and July.
Various imitations of coral were available from the late 1800s. These included early plastics, stained ivory, and French 'coraline', made of coloured alabaster.
Collection
Accession number
CIRC.382-1960

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Record createdDecember 8, 2002
Record URL
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