Description

This is a very interesting two-strand red Mediterranean coral necklace with a unique off-set coral and sterling silver hollow ware box with nice details of leaves and vines.

Native Americans began to use coral shortly after it was introduced to them by the Spanish in the 16th Century. This beautiful red stone intrigued them. Strands of deep red coral were valued and worn as a form of currency. Documentation of the use of coral for decoration goes back some 30,000 years when it was used to decorate burials. Coral jewelry was made by artisans in most of the great civilizations: the Egyptians, the Mesopotamians, and the ancient Greeks.

Today, coral is one of the most sought-after materials used by Native American artists. Mediterranean coral is now considered an endangered species and cannot be purchased any longer for making jewelry. Coral supplies around the world are very limited. It may not be too long before there will be no coral jewelry produced; the only coral available will be what is already in stores or in private collections.

Condition: Excellent – original condition.
Provenance: Acquired from a private collector from New Mexico.