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.
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 |
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| Gallery label | 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.
[Young V&A, Imagine Gallery short object label](2023) |
| 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 created | December 8, 2002 |
| Record URL |
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