Coral Five Strand Necklace with Silver Beads and Jacla [SOLD]

This five-strand coral necklace consists of small naturally shaped coral, polished to a beautiful sheen, interspersed with small sterling silver beads. The ends are tied off in string in the style called "pueblo wrap." A pair of turquoise jacla hangs from the necklace.

Due to its strong saturation of color, red coral is highly prized by the tribes of the Southwest. Prior to the arrival of early Europeans to the Americas, native people used argillite to accent their jewelry with red, which was very dull compared to that of Blood Coral. Because of the high cost of red coral, it has also become associated with wealth.

It is easy to feel the value of this deeply colored set of five red coral strings. Arranged neatly in strands of the same length, this necklace flows in a natural way. Strands of Blood Coral vary in a deep palette of reds, and are broken up with interspersed silver beads.

The exquisite turquoise jacla hangs from the necklace in traditional Navajo and Pueblo fashion. Jacla, which means ear strings, originally were made to be worn as earrings. Later, they became an addition to what is the most traditional form of Navajo and Pueblo necklace—strung turquoise or coral. The jacla is composed of the most beautiful blue and green turquoise, with copper matrix. The superb patination is evidence of much handling and wear by the owner.

The necklace is extraordinarily beautiful with the brilliant red coral and sky blue turquoise jacla. The pueblo wrap provides for comfortable wearing. It is easy to feel the value of this deeply colored set of coral, silver, and turquoise. The necklace flows in a natural way.

It is clear that the artist crafted it with care and vision, for the result is something outstanding and sophisticated that any individual could be honored to wear on any occasion.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Coral Five Strand Necklace with Silver Beads and Jacla is from the collection of a resident of Colorado

Recommended Reading: North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment: From Prehistory to the Present by Margaret Dubin

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Navajo, necklace