Diné (Navajo) 6-strand Coral Necklace [R]

Navajo and Pueblo artisans are known for their beautiful bead necklaces, both from coral and turquoise. This lovely necklace consists of six high-quality strands of coral with silver tubular beads, silver balls and turquoise hieshe interspersed between the coral beads.

Coral is calcified skeletons of sea creatures that grow in formations resembling the branches of a tree. Among Southwest Indians, esteem for coral is second only to that for turquoise. This lovely necklace contains six strands of some of the nicest coral we have seen in a long time. It has a red/orange color and is strung so that is hangs smoothly and evenly. Coral reefs have become endangered, so the harvesting of coral in most areas has become illegal. It is very difficult to find such fine quality coral today.

Condition:  The necklace has recently been re-strung so it is secure and ready to wear.

Provenance: ex. coll. Florida gentleman

Recommended Reading:  North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment from Prehistory to the Present by Lois Sherr Dubin