A Victorian carved crystal heart-shaped locket with a studded coral bead border and coral-set bail, in 15k gold. England. (Chain sold separately.)

Coral, one of the few organic gemstones, has been imbued with many meanings throughout history. It was first worn thousands of years ago on the Mediterranean Coast. The Romans believed it had magical and medicinal attributes, and saw that their children wore the gem to
 protect them.  It enjoyed a resurgence in the Victorian era and was commonly thought to bring on good health. Coral comes in an array of colors, ranging from the fiery red of
 Mediterranean coral and oxblood from Japan to a range of oranges and the delicate pink hues that are dubbed angel skin coral.