An Art Deco carved coral and cabochon Ceylon sapphire ring in platinum. Suzanne Belperron for René Boivin, France. Accompanied by a certificate of authentication by Françoise Cailles. Atw sapphire 8.50 cts., no indications of heat treatment (GCS report #5777-9910)

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.  Its popularity continued during the Art Deco period, when its intense hues combined beautifully with the bolder and more geometric
designs of the period. 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 shades that are dubbed angel skin coral.