Four-strand Deep Red Coral Necklace

Blood red is the most popular coral of all. It also is the rarest. This necklace was made of four long stands of deep red coral beads, each cylindrical and polished. The ends of the strings are tied off in the pueblo wrap style.

The coral remains in its natural state to reflect its beauty as in nature. The red is so vibrant, and the beads are bound in such a way that the necklace may remind the wearer of the red chile ristras that are commonly seen throughout New Mexico.

One consideration pertaining to this necklace is the increasing rarity of natural coral, of which it is entirely composed aside from the twine wrap. Over harvesting has tragically led to scarcity of this precious and highly desired component of Southwestern jewelry.

The history of the use of coral in Native American jewelry is a fascinating chronicle. The early Spanish traders, who obtained it from Mediterranean fishermen off the coast of Spain, brought it to the Navajo and Pueblo jewelers. Intrigued by the deep color, silversmiths began integrating coral into their jewelry. Talented native artists then began to use coral in new, innovative styles in the mid-twentieth century.

This is a lovely necklace that will be treasured for generations.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Four-strand Deep Red Coral Necklace is from a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: Indian Jewelry of the American Southwest by Sarah Peabody and William A. Turnbaugh

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, KEWA, Santo Domingo Pueblo, necklace