Coral Treasures from the Mediterranean Sea

Authentic Antique Coral Jewelry From $200 and up

"It's definitely the largest selection of coral in New England," owner Lydia Rozovsky proudly tells me. "It's very difficult to find the real thing now, because it's against the law to dive for coral; they don't allow it anymore. So, the newer pieces you see are manufactured and artificially colored."

Rozovsky is known for her coral, and she says that customers from as far as Italy and Spain are amazed by it. Several of the pieces in the selection she let me photograph were purchased from an old Beacon Hill resident of Italian ancestry.

Precious Coral has a long, storied past going back to Greek mythology. In the story of Perseus, blood runoff from the head of Medusa turned the surrounding seaweed into red coral. Its magical properties were heralded by the Romans as well—they believed coral could protect children, heal wounds and diagnose disease via its color-changing properties.

"Precious Coral is almost always from the Mediterranean Sea," Rozovsky said, noting that she does have a good-size assortment from China. "There's a wide spectrum of colors, from 'angel skin' to 'pigment black.' Each piece is unique - completely different." Naturally, this figures into the pricing, which she is less forthcoming about. But Rozovsky offers a $25 discount on jewelry to new customers and feels certain that "everyone can come in with a different budget and we will find something."

Bridge Antiques is located at 99 Charles Street. Call 617-227-0995 or email Lydia at bridge.antiques@gmail.com