Measuring approx. 10mm. long, suspended from a contemporary chain measuring approx. 16 inches, fashioned in 18k yellow gold. Length 18 inches.
In ancient Rome coral pendants were hung on the necks of infants to protect them from danger and sickness. When worn on the neck of a woman it was thought to protect against infertility. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, naturalist and natural philosopher, wrote about it offering protection both against being struck by lightning and temptresses.