Exquisite antique ear pendants made from old coral and gold

Two fine ear pendants, each made from two old Tibetan corals with a diameter of 11-13 mm, with a deep red hue, set in finely crafted 22 carat gold settings and connected with a chain also crafted from gold. The length including the ear hook is 63 mm and the total weight is 14.1 g. This is a unique piece from a Tibetan jewelry collection.

Corals have a deep spiritual and cultural significance in traditional Tibetan jewelry. The red precious coral (Corallium rubrum) is particularly prized. In combination with turquoise and silver, coral beads are a characteristic element of Tibetan prayer beads(malas), amulets and ritual jewelry. As Tibet is a landlocked highland, coral was imported from the Mediterranean and the Southeast Asian region via centuries-old trade routes. Nowadays, precious coral is strictly protected, which is why modern Tibetan jewelry is made with old, recycled coral or sustainable alternatives.