Coral

21 products

Coral

Coral refers to several species of marine coral including corrallium rubrum. Jewelry-grade coral is known for its bright red or pink skeletons that can be polished to a brilliant shine. The highest quality red coral comes from the Mediterranean Sea. Southwest Native American tribes first encountered this deep red Mediterranean Coral from contact with the Spanish in the 1600s. Coral quickly became a valuable trade item, and over time, the Puebloan tribes (particularly Zuni) and the Navajo (Diné) began featuring coral in their jewelry. Coral was seen as a symbol of wealth and status due to its rarity and high cost.

In recent years, Coral is increasingly protected, and much of the red coral used in Native American jewelry today derives from stockpiles of coral harvested years ago or repurposed from antique pieces. Other shades of coral from around the world are also featured in Southwest Native American jewelry, including pink ("Angel Coral"), orange, and black coral. The striking contrast of coral and turquoise is an iconic hallmark of American Indian jewelry. 

21 products
Coral Earrings by Mary and Everett Teller - Garland's
Coral Earrings by Mary and Everett Teller - Garland's
Coral Bear Necklace by James Selina - Garland's
Coral Bear Necklace by James Selina - Garland's
Coral Pendant by Kee Yazzie - Garland's
Coral Pendant by Kee Yazzie - Garland's
Coral Buckle by Leonard Nez - Garland's
Coral Buckle by Leonard Nez - Garland's
Coral Cuff by Leonard Nez - Garland's
Coral Cuff by Leonard Nez - Garland's
Coral Cuff by Leonard Nez - Garland's
Coral Cuff by Leonard Nez - Garland's
Coral Ring by Leonard Nez - Garland's
Coral Ring by Leonard Nez - Garland's
Coral Basket Weave Cuff by Alethia Little Crawford - Garland's
Coral Basket Weave Cuff by Alethia Little Crawford - Garland's
1990s Coral Concha Belt by Norman Bia - Garland's
1990s Coral Concha Belt by Norman Bia - Garland's
Coral Reef Seed Jar by Kee Yazzie - Garland's
Coral Reef Seed Jar by Kee Yazzie - Garland's
Ketoh Ring by Philbert Begay - Garland's
Ketoh Ring by Philbert Begay - Garland's
Turquoise and Coral Cuff by Michael Perry - Garland's
Turquoise and Coral Cuff by Michael Perry - Garland's
Multi-stone Bola Tie by Richard Tsosie - Garland's
Multi-stone Bola Tie by Richard Tsosie - Garland's
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