Native American Turquoise and Fire Engine Red Bamboo Cupolini Coral Sterling Silver Necklace.

This exceptional Native American features five strands of genuine Turquoise twined with five strands of Fire Engine Red Bamboo Cupolini Coral. These two items provide beautiful contrasting colors of earth and sea. The necklace is 24" including 4" stamped Sterling Silver diamond-patterned cones that adorn each end of this piece of wearable art. Hook-eye and comb clasps finish the piece. This necklace was designed and hand-strung in our shop by Navajo artist Berlinda Begay. The photo is an excellent representation of the one-of-a-kind necklace you will receive.

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