Seven Strand Native American Coral Silver Choker Necklace.

This choker necklace is a ravishing piece of hand strung Navajo Indian jewelry. This necklace features seven hand strung strands of genuine Coral beads. The beautiful heat treated Coral offers up its hot red shades for a very attractive look. Petite beads of plated Silver artfully provide the spacing. Strung in our shop by Navajo artist Berlinda Begay. This versatile can be worn straight or with a twist. Each end is dressed with a plated Silver cone. The total length of this necklace is 16-3/4". An extension chain can be included with this item for $5.00 per inch. Let us know how long you'd like your extension chain in the 'comment box' as you check out.

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