[Anon], ‘Coral Jewellery and Peasant Ornaments.’

A case just completed in the jewellery court has attracted and will continue to attract a large measure of admiration, for of its kind it is unique and worthy of being placed amongst those exhibits which cannot be too highly commended. This is the exhibition of coral by Messrs. Phillips Brothers and Son, of Cockspur-street, a firm not only of high repute in the metropolis, but one which is well known throughout Europe as having largely developed this interesting and important branch of commerce. The object sought, and certainly attained, by this firm is that of placing before the public a collection of the finest known specimens both of mounted and unmounted coral. Here are ranged many of the finest specimens of these beautiful treasures of the sea; the gradation of colour extends from the palest and most delicate pink to the deepest red; a circumstance which, taken in conjunction with the fact that several of the specimens are of an extraordinary size, justifies the remark that Messrs. Phillips have produced the most remarkable show of coral ever publicly exhibited. Without going into unnecessary detail, it may be said that the collection includes several necklaces of simple round beads, the value of which ranges from £100 to £350; and that the adaptability of this beautiful material to various branches of the goldsmith’s art is exemplified by its employment in connection with cameos and other graceful sculptured forms. Several of Messrs. Phillips’s exhibits are of the most recent pattern, and have been manufactured for their wholesale market. Nothing in the department is prettier or more artistic in design and workmanship than are these specimens of coral jewellery.