Five Strand Native American Coral Heishi Bead Sterling Silver Necklace.

This Native American Coral Silver Necklace is just full of natural character. This incredible necklace has been hand strung with 5 strands of genuine Branch Coral. These impressive Bamboo Coral deliver their hot red hues to this necklace. Just like snowflakes, no two Coral branches are exactly alike. Genuine valoya Shell Heishi Beads have been included for artful spacing and extensions. Each end of this fine piece of Coral jewelry is dressed with a Sterling Silver cone. Made by Begay Sisters in our shop. This necklace is 31" long.

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.

We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize it's important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC