1. A Victorian coral cameo necklace with an amazing coral and gold chain.

    A Victorian coral cameo necklace with an amazing coral and gold chain.

  2. An incredible coral tiara made by the Phillips Brothers of London in the 1860s.

    An incredible coral tiara made by the Phillips Brothers of London in the 1860s.

  3. A carved coral cameo pendant by Parisian jeweler François-Désiré Froment-Meurice, dating to 1854.

    A carved coral cameo pendant by Parisian jeweler François-Désiré Froment-Meurice, dating to 1854.

  4. An Italian made coral necklace from the 1840s.

    An Italian made coral necklace from the 1840s.

  5. A beautiful carved coral bracelet center dating to around 1840.

    A beautiful carved coral bracelet center dating to around 1840.

  6. Carved coral earrings made in Italy circa 1830.

    Carved coral earrings made in Italy circa 1830.

  7. Regency era coral earrings from circa 1800. They may have been made to match this slightly earlier necklace.

    Regency era coral earrings from circa 1800. They may have been made to match this slightly earlier necklace.

  8. A regency era coral necklace.

    A regency era coral necklace.

  9. Red coral became further associated with children because it is the perfect hardness for use in teething. The traditional design combines a rattle, whistle and coral teether. This particular piece was made in by Nicholas Roosevelt in New York City between 1755 and 1768, but similar designs were produced throughout the US and in Europe all throughout the 18th and early to mid-19th centuries.

    Red coral became further associated with children because it is the perfect hardness for use in teething. The traditional design combines a rattle, whistle and coral teether. This particular piece was made in by Nicholas Roosevelt in New York City between 1755 and 1768, but similar designs were produced throughout the US and in Europe all throughout the 18th and early to mid-19th centuries.

  10. A portrait of sisters Aurelia and Madalena Doria by an unknown Italian artist, circa 1570, again shows the common belief that coral had protective powers for children. The girls are not only wearing coral necklaces, but also have coral beads decorating their dresses.

    A portrait of sisters Aurelia and Madalena Doria by an unknown Italian artist, circa 1570, again shows the common belief that coral had protective powers for children. The girls are not only wearing coral necklaces, but also have coral beads decorating their dresses.