SPANISH-IBERIAN 1780 Coral Rosary In 18Kt Gold With Seed Pearls From Late 18th Century

A magnificent Iberian Rosary from late 18th century.

This is an extremely rare antique Iberian catholic rosary, created in Spain, during the late 18th century, circa 1780 or earlier. The magnificent Franciscan rosary is pretty big and was made up by multiples parts, dividers in the shape of rosettes with the filigree technique in yellow gold of 17 and 18 karats, beads carved of natural corals and accents of natural white seed pearls. The beautiful rosary is composed by seven-stations, each one with ten corals beads, six dividers and the over-sized plain cross. Between the beads and the cross, there is a medal with the crowned monogram M for the Virgin Mary. The appearance of the rosary is sober, is quite unique, and would make a special addition to any antique jewelry collection. 

This Rosario

The basic configuration of the prayer is simple: the Rosary consists of a Cross, a medal, individual beads, and consecutive beads. For the cross, to pray the Apostles' Creed; for the individual beads, the Our Father, and for the consecutive beads, the Hail Mary. In common terminology, when Catholics refer to praying a "Rosary," they usually mean they are praying just five decades of one set of Mysteries. This is a single Rosary. A "full Rosary," however, consists of offering all fifteen decades (Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries) in one day. The Franciscan Crown has variously been called the Franciscan Rosary, the Seraphic Rosary or the Rosary of the Seven Joys of Our Lady. The "Seven Joys" is a devotion that recalls seven joyful episodes in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The practice originated among the Franciscans in early 15th-century Italy.

Filigree

The word "filigree" comes from the Latin words "filum," meaning "thread," and "granum," meaning "grain." Filigree jewellery has been made for centuries, and its history can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Filigree is a technique, which entails working with wires of fine silver or gold, twisting and plaiting them into a rope. While some artisans would leave the rope and its wires in their cylindrical shape, others prefer to flatten them after twisting by using a rolling mill. Portuguese filigree is an art that continues to have a very manual production, which requires extreme expertise on the part of the artisan to work the very fine interlaced and welded gold or silver threads that make up each piece. It is, therefore, internationally recognized for its quality. In Portugal, artisans have used and continue to use filigree as a form of artistic expression in traditional jewelry, but also of Portuguese culture through its designs in the form of flowers, waves or fish scales.

Seed Pearls 

Seed pearl is so named because of its size - usually less than 2 millimeters in diameter. These are natural pearls and can vary quite a bit in color, from milky white to an elegant gray. Their imperfect nature is part of their charm, making each piece they adorn a unique treasure. They were very popular during the Victorian period as accents set into gold jewelry or woven into long fringed necklaces. Seed pearls were popularized during the Victorian era as a means to accent more elaborate pieces of gold jewelry or long fringed necklaces. From the last quarter of the 18th century up to the first quarter of the 19th century, during the Georgian and Victorian eras, they was a great demand for seed pearls for adornment.

Coral: Mounted in wired settings, with 76 semi round-oval cabochon cuts (8-9 mm) carved from natural red coral.

Pearls: Mounted in two sets of wires, with 40 natural white seed pearls. Each one about 0.075 and 1 mm.

Birthstone: Coral for the month of June.

Weight: 116.45 Grams, (76.65 Dwt).

Measurements: Rosary Lenght is 56 Inches, (142 Cm.). The measure of the cross itself is 95 mm by 70 mm by 7 mm (3.75 x 2.75 x 0.28 Inches).

Hallmarks: Unmarked. The gold was electronically tested in several parts for 17kt, 18kt and 21kt.

Collateral: This rosary is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Note: The general condition is as follow; the wires, the coral beads and the seed pearls are excellent. The cross has an older repair in the reverse that do not detract the beauty.

Condition: The overall condition of this rosary is very good to excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage and all parts are complete and the 116 corals and pearls are secured in their settings. This pair has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: N091924ATNS/2.799