Artist/Maker: Mary Chavez            FREE SHIPPING!
Tribe: Navajo
Materials: Mediterranean Coral, Sterling Silver
Measurements: See Photos for Measurments  
~Mediterranean Coral~
Red Coral (Corallium Rubrum) comes from certain areas, such as the Mediterranean, where the specific water temperature and conditions allow coral to thrive. Coral is a hardened tube or branch. Only about 10% of coral is considered jewelry quality. Although coral has been used by Stone Age peoples as long as 30,000 years ago to decorate sepulchers (burial vaults), Native American artists have only used coral for the last 600 years. When Europeans arrived in the New World, they brought with them “blood coral” from the waters of Spain and Italy. Santo Domingo peoples first used coral in necklaces as wampum (trade Beads). The Hopi and Zuni strung coral beads alternating with other beads such as jet, turquoise and spiny oyster shell for danced and ceremonies. Later silversmiths cut coral into pieces to set into rings, bracelets, belts, buckles, pendants and earrings. Coral beads symbolize success and aid with overall health.