Today, on the retail market, a Colonial teething ring would set the most discriminating infants back about $2,500. Silver, gold and other precious metals spoke to the status of the family.

Red Coral (Moonga) strengthens Mars, know which zodiac signs should wear this gem Wearing red coral or moonga in a copper or gold ring is considered auspicious.

Cartier High Jewelry necklace in 18K rose gold with coral beads, coral and onyx motifs, and diamond, cartier.com Photographed by STEPHEN & REBECCA Styled by FAYE POWER VANDE VREDE.

Yet McDermott, 45, still took time to treat his pregnant wife, 39, with something special: A ring ... a gold ring, set with 6 cabochon corals representing their 6 years of marriage; each coral ...

Titouan Bernicot, Coral Gardeners’ founder and chief executive, has an affinity for the jewelry world. His parents were pearl farmers, and he grew up on a remote island in Moorea.