Three Strand Coral and Turquoise Pueblo Necklace [SOLD]

Necklaces made from coral can sometimes appear to be bulky, but this three-strand necklace is beautifully delicate. Each coral cylindrical bead is slim and polished.  Small turquoise beads are interspersed throughout and provide highlight color to complement the coral.  Silver tubular beads and a single domed silver bead are placed throughout for a second contrasting color. The silver beads have darkened from age, so they are a subtle attraction.  The necklace is tied off in what is known as a pueblo wrap.

For more than one hundred years, Native artists have used coral to create jewelry for tourists as well as for their own personal use. It has become increasingly valuable as coral has become scarce. The skeletal remains of tiny sea polyps, overharvesting and pollution have contributed to the shortage of coral on the market.  Harvesting of coral is no longer allowed, so only old coral jewelry is now available for purchase.

There is always a question as to the origin of coral and the origin of the maker of this style necklace.  Coral generally came from trade with Indians of Mexico and California, but, of course, in the 20th-century, most coral was purchased from distributors of such.  Necklaces of this style have traditionally been made by Navajo and Pueblo artisans and it is difficult to distinguish between works by the two.  We have chosen to attribute this to Kewa Pueblo.  Our rationale for choosing Kewa Pueblo is the use of the pueblo wrap.  Navajo artisans most often use silver cones and clasps on necklaces.

Condition: this Three Strand Coral and Turquoise Pueblo Necklace is in original condition

Provenance: from the estate of an Albuquerque resident

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