Five Strand Deep Red Diné Coral Necklace [SOLD]

This incredibly rich, deep red Diné of the Navajo Nation necklace contains five strands and is complete with two silver cones and a handmade silver clasp at the back. The coral remains in its natural state to reflect its beauty as in nature. The red is so vibrant, and the beads are bound in such a way that the necklace may remind the wearer of the red chile ristras that are commonly seen throughout New Mexico.

One consideration pertaining to this necklace is the increasing rarity of natural coral, of which it is entirely composed aside from the silver back. Over harvesting has tragically led to scarcity of this precious and highly desired component of Southwestern jewelry.

The history of the use of coral in Native American jewelry is a fascinating chronicle. The early Spanish traders, who obtained it from Mediterranean fishermen off the coast of Spain, brought it to the Navajo and Pueblo jewelers. Intrigued by the deep color, silversmiths began integrating coral into their jewelry. Talented native artists then began to use coral in new, innovative styles in the mid-twentieth century.

We have attributed the piece to a Diné artist, based on the silver ends. Most Pueblo jewelers and lapidary artisans would have tied off the ends in what is known as a pueblo wrap. The use of silver is more a trait of Diné artisans of the Navajo Nation.  In additions, the artist curved the silver ends to better fit the curvature of the neck of the wearer (see below).

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Five Strand Deep Red Diné Coral Necklace is from the collection of a client of the gallery

Recommended Reading: Indian Jewelry of the American Southwest by Sarah Peabody and William A. Turnbaugh