Ode to Magical Medusa Necklace Set

Medusa, the Gorgon of Greek mythology whose gaze turned beholders to stone, also used her powers to create beauty in nature. In an evocative mythical transformation described by Ovid in the Metamorphoses, vibrant droplets of blood from Medusa hardened underwater plants into coral when Perseus placed her severed head down on a bed of seaweed. Local sea nymphs were delighted by this magical new creation, a coral reef that spread throughout the local waters, creating shiny stones for their adornment. 

The transformative power of Medusa is visualized in the Magical Medusa necklace set. It features a coin with Medusa's head, displayed on a strand of coral beads. The set represents the protective power of Medusa's head, which Athena displayed on her armor when she went into battle.  

• Ancient Roman denarius coin handset in 22K bezel depicting the face of Medusa with disheveled hair flanked by coiled serpents. Aurora, goddess of the dawn, flying with four horses of the sun is on the reverse. 47 BCE. 
• Coral strand with 22K discs and clasp.