Many forms of coral are now a protected species so care should always be taken to make sure that any item containing this gemstone is a genuine antique. The most desirable coral gemstone was precious coral aka red coral. The distinguishing characteristic of this gemstone is it’s durable and intensely colored red or pink-orange skeleton, which is used for making jewelry. Reference: Wikipedia
The gemstone was popular during the Art Deco era and was often combined with onyx to give bold displays which were fashionable at the time.
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Deco coral items including an a buckle by Cartier and a rare clock with a lapiz lazuli elephant on top.
Art Deco coral, onyx, diamond and enamel buckle, Cartier, Paris, circa 1925 Of oblong shape, fitted at either end with coral segments rimmed in black enamel and calibré-cut onyx, further set with 20 old European-cut and single-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.00 carat, mounted in platinum, signed Cartier, made in France, assay marks.
LOT SOLD. 24,000 USD at Sotheby’s in 2006
A FINE AND RARE ART DECO LAPIS LAZULI, CULTURED PEARL, AGATE AND DIAMOND DESK CLOCK, CIRCA 1925 The round engine-turned silver dial accented by rose-cut diamonds, Roman quarter hour numerals, mystery-set fleur-de-lys hands, minute hand mounted on a revolving glass disc, to a rectangular case, the case top surmounted by a lapis lazuli elephant with brilliant-cut diamond eyes, accented by lapis lazuli and coral spheres, to the right a coral branch set with near-round cultured pearls, supported by lapis lazuli and rose-cut diamond details on a stepped platform, completed by a rectangular agate base centring upon a carved coral spray, mechanical movement
Sold for HK$ 100,625 (£ 9,491) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2019
ART DECO AGATE, CORAL AND ENAMEL SAINT CHRISTOPHER PLAQUE, CARTIER Silver gilt plaque depicting Saint Christopher, agate frame, coral cylinders, black enamel, silver (French marks), 2 ¾ x 1 ¾ x 5/8 ins., circa 1935, signed Cartier, maker’s marks (Jacques Cartier), ‘Made in France’, no. 2496 and 5621, fitted red Cartier case
Sold for USD 3,000 at Christie’s in 2020
French Art Deco Gold Mounted Agate, Hardstone and Coral Miniature Footed Bowl Van Cleef & Arpels, 1920s-1930s The carved agate circular bowl on a hardstone support mounted with coral beads, continuing to a circular agate base on ball feet. Height 1 3/8 inches, diameter 2 5/8 inches.
Sold for $11,875 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2020
ART-DECO ENAMEL, DIAMOND AND CORAL POWER COMPACT, 18kt gold, the rectangular body with rounded corners decorated with black enamel to the cover and body. The cover and body set on the short sides with a fan shaped openwork applique set with diamonds and coral accents. The inside of the cover with a mirror.
Sold for £2,600 at Auction Zero in 2020
AN ART DECO DIAMOND, CORAL AND ONYX PENDANT, BOUCHERON in platinum and 18ct white gold, the hexagonal body set with a principal old cut diamond against a panel of black onyx, accented by polished coral and further old cut diamonds, on a later 14ct white gold curb link chain, the pendant signed Boucheron Paris, French assay marks
Sold for £4,800 at Elmwood’s in 2020
