Coral Channel Inlay Turquoise Zuni Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

This pair of earrings features traditional Zuni designs that include channel inlaid Coral and Turquoise in the center surrounded by a ring of petal-shaped, hand-cut stones of Coral. These Coral stones have been cut with perfect precision and set against the brilliance of Sterling Silver. The shine of the Sterling Silver combined with the natural beauty of the Coral makes for very attractive jewelry. The sensational stud earrings are 3/4" in diameter.

There are four types of precious coral in Hawaii: black coral (Antipathidae), gold coral (Parazoanthidae), red or pink coral (Corallidae) and bamboo coral. Each of these has a different internal composition. Red and pink corals produce a calcite skeleton similar in hardness to ivory and pearls. Bamboo corals, on the other hand, produce a skeleton composed partially of calcite and partially of protein that is similar to the keratin in your fingernails. These alternating bands of material resemble a bamboo stalk; thus the corals' name. In Hawaii, black corals are found in 100-300 ft. of water, shallow enough to harvest using scuba equipment. Many harvesters, however, have died in pursuit of coral trees at the deep end of this range. Red, gold and bamboo coral are found between 1,000 and 1,500 ft; so harvesting is conducted with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or submarines.