Mediterranean carved coral face-opal cabochon revsible necklace, 14k gold, triple strand coral. j-nlja851

A highly unusual Mediterranean salmon coral carving of a mans face surrounded by flowers which reverses to  with an oval opal cabochon so you get two looks in one necklace. The coral was likely carved in Italy. Fashioned into a hanging pendant with hand fabricated 14k rose gold metal work. This carving is a very unusual subject matter and extensive research finds no comparables. The head has excellent facial proportions and intricate detail of all features in both frontal and side views,. The reverse side is set with an oval shaped Australian white opal cabochon exhibiting an even play of color with rolling flashes and no discernible dead spots. The pendant is hanging from a triple strand of (over 550) hand shaped salmon coral beads graduating from 2.0 to 6.0 mm. measuring approximately 20 inches in length. The necklace is accented with three 14kt rose gold spacers and is closed with a 14kt rose gold hook clasp. The beads are terminated with two coral barrels and beads which lead into the two-part clasp. This necklace and pendant are true SALMON color coral. CIRCA: 1950-1960. This rare and spectacular necklace is accompanied with a certified insurance replacement value appraisal. Approximate insurance replacement value: $6450-$6850. Included with the appraisal are color stone analyses of the coral carving and opal cabochon.