I’m excited to share with you the story behind my nostalgic love for coral jewellery, especially the antique coral pieces that hold a special place in my heart and work. Jewellery has always been more than an accessory to me - it’s a way to connect with our past, cherish the present, and create something meaningful for the future. My journey with coral began in the most unexpected way, but it has since become a core part of my designs and my personal story.
How I Fell in Love with Antique Coral
I first introduced coral into my designs after I discovered some antique Italian coral beads from a vendor. I wasn’t even looking for coral at the time, but the moment I saw them, I felt an instant connection. I brought them home, and that’s when the magic began. All sorts of ideas started to percolate in my mind. These beautiful beads sparked my creativity in a way that I hadn’t experienced before, working mostly with cabochon gems in the past. I decided to experiment with them, and that’s how the Beatrice Ring came to life. It was my first piece with coral, and it was such a rewarding challenge to create a setting that would do justice to those delicate beads.
What draws me to antique coral jewellery is not just its beauty, but the sustainability aspect. By using antique coral, I’m not contributing to the harmful practice of removing coral from the reefs. Instead, I’m giving these beautiful, historic materials a new life in a way that honours their origins and protects the ocean for future generations.
My Personal Connection to Italian Coral Jewellery
Italian coral holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its stunning colour and texture, but because it’s part of my personal history. When I was an infant, my maternal grandparents gifted me a coral necklace and bracelet set from Italy. These pieces have been with me for as long as I can remember, and I’ve worn them for much of my life. They’re more than just jewellery to me—they’re a connection to my heritage, my family, and my roots.
The significance of these antique coral pieces goes beyond their material value. They're a sustainable choice, which is something I deeply care about in my work. I love the warm, salmon hues of coral—they remind me of the vibrant life under the sea and the beauty that nature creates. Each piece of coral jewellery I make carries a bit of this warmth and vibrancy, and it’s my way of sharing a piece of the ocean with others.
The Art and Care of Crafting Coral Jewellery
Working with coral is a delicate process that requires a lot of care and attention. Coral is a natural material, much like gemstones, but instead of coming from the earth, it comes from the ocean. This unique connection to the sea gives coral a special place in the world of jewellery. However, coral is also quite fragile and can’t tolerate high temperatures, so I have to be very careful when I’m working with it.
One technique I’ve developed, inspired by ancient jewellery of the past, is using fine solid gold wire to attach coral beads. This method not only secures the beads but also allows them to move freely, adding a playful element to the jewellery. I love the way these beads dance with the wearer’s movements—it brings a piece of my designs to life in such a joyful way.
Caring for coral jewellery is important, as with any special jewellery. Just like other delicate gems, coral needs to be treated gently. I always recommend removing coral jewellery during any strenuous activity and keeping it away from harsh products like sunscreen or soaps. Coral can be easily scratched or damaged by abrasives, so it’s important to handle it with care. That said, I never take my coral off, and I’ve found that with proper care, it withstands the test of time beautifully.
The Story Behind the Coral Vita Necklace
One of my favourite pieces that I’ve created is the Coral Vita necklace. This design is very close to my heart because it’s directly inspired by the family heirloom that I wear daily. Creating this necklace was my way of honouring my Italian heritage and culture, and every time I see it, I’m reminded of where I come from and the values that guide my work.
The Coral Vita necklace is more than just a piece of jewellery—it’s a celebration of my roots, a connection to my past, and a symbol of the love and care that goes into every piece I create.
Supporting Coral Conservation
My love for coral extends beyond just creating beautiful jewellery. As a scuba diver, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the ocean's wonders up close, giving me a deep appreciation for its beauty and fragility. Sadly, our coral reefs are deteriorating and disappearing due to various environmental factors. To support their preservation, I donate a portion of every sale from my antique coral jewellery to the Coral Reef Alliance. This organization works closely with local fishermen, divers, scientists, governments, and tourism operators to implement conservation efforts that are tailored to the specific needs of each community, ensuring a thoughtful and effective long term approach to protecting these vital ecosystems.
I hope that when you wear one of my coral pieces, you feel the connection to the ocean, to history, and to the care that goes into each design. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, and for supporting sustainable and meaningful jewellery. Together, we can create something beautiful that honours the past and protects the future.