The Coral

Coral has fascinated mankind since ancient times and its origin has been a source of speculation among early naturalists for centuries.
Coral is a colony of living microorganisms in a calcareous formation that grows in the form of a small tree at depths of 50 to 150 metres.
Archaeology has discovered that coral was used as early as 25,000 years ago to make small tools; the Sumerians were the first to use it as a precious ornament, followed by the Mycenaeans and Romans. Many people believed that coral had magical and portentous qualities and was able to protect against negative influences. This is why, in Italy during the fifteenth century, a coral necklace was an indispensable element in the trousseau of young brides from all walks of life.
Each newborn child received a first piece of coral jewellery in the form of a bracelet or necklace to be attached to their cots. In the 18th century, the first coral “industries” were set up in Naples and Torre del Greco: wonderful objects that included not only jewellery but also statuettes and the famous “twigs and horns” for good luck.