Coral has long been revered for its curative and talismanic properties. The Gauls used coral superstitiously to decorate their weapons, and the Romans believed coral could cure sterility. They also hung branches of it around their children's necks to protect them from danger. In the 16th and 17th centuries, various imperialist European republics fought to control the market on coral but after centuries of contest the coral trade came home to Italy, the historical ruler of the industry. This hand-carved natural coral Victorian bracelet dates to the mid 1800s and is likely Italian in origin, possibly a souvenir of the Grand Tour.