18th Century Coral Torpedo Earrings
Coral Day and Night torpedo earrings dating from the Georgian era, circa 1790. The coral drops are cut with briolette facets, and hang from high carat caps, beautifully worked with cross-hatching and applied cannetille details. They can be detached from the tops, which each feature a single coral cabochon and fasten with French lever backs.
The red coral is strongly saturated and was likely gathered of the coast of Naples where it was fashioned and faceted.
To still tempests and traverse broad rivers in safety was the privilege of one who bore either red or white coral with him. That this also stanched the flow of blood from a wound, cured madness, and gave wisdom, was said to have been experimentally proved. - G.F. Kunz, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (1913)
Coral has long been prized for its talismanic powers: for health, for wisdom, or protection. But coral's powers didn't only manifest in the present, this miracle of the ocean could also protect its wearer from future misfortune. Kunz, in his remarkable book, also refers to coral as an "ominous" stone:
An ominous character was attributed to the red coral... If worn so that the substance came in direct contact with the skin, it was asserted that the color would pale, the coral also losing its brightness if the wearer became ill, or even if he were only threatened with severe illness. The same effect was said to be induced if some deadly poison had been taken.
(It should be noted that, in both quoted instances, Kunz is referencing 16th century texts, and thus even older beliefs: Albertus Magnus, Le Grand Albert des secretz des vertues des Herbes, Pierres et Bestes (c.1515) and Cardani, De subtilitate (1554) respectively).
Era: Georgian, circa 1790
Size: 5.0cm by 0.9cm
Stone: Red Coral
Marks: None, tested as 22ct gold with 15ct gold tops
Condition: Good antique condition; wear consistent with age - see images. Tops and drops are likely a later marriage.
Full appraisal document provided with each item.
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
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[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
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Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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