Spectacular Five Strand Tubular Coral Necklace with Silver Clasps [SOLD]

Ancestral Native Americans collected and used a wide variety of shell, turquoise and stone for their own personal adornment for thousands of years. Therefore, it was no surprise that Mediterranean coral’s deep red color appealed to Native American artists when they were introduced to it in the early 20th century. Since that time, coral has been highly regarded by these artists as a desirable material for their own use as well as in Southwest Indian Jewelry made to sell.

High quality coral has become quite rare over the last century. Coral is not a stone, it is the calcium remnants of sea creatures who live in warm water. It takes years for coral polyps to form, and once they are harvested, they are not easily replaced. Over harvesting, combined with the devastating results of pollution, has led to the scarcity of coral.  

This necklace consists of five strands of tubular cut coral beads. The beads are slightly larger than usual, giving the necklace a substantial feel and look. Each bead has been individually cut and shaped and then strung. The clasps are made of silver, perhaps indicating a Diné origin.   

Condition: The Spectacular Five Strand Tubular Coral Necklace with Silver Clasps is in very good condition. The coral is all intact. There is slight fraying at the ends of the string where the string meets the silver clasps.

Provenance: From the estate of a long time Santa Fe resident.

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

Note: when we say Diné, as opposed to Navaho or Navajo, we are referring to the people and not the government.  Since 1969, their government refers to itself as the Navajo Nation.