This estate necklace composed of turquoise and coral strung on sterling silver wire with silver fittings weighs 154.8g and measures 17 inches long. Mounted on four strands of silver wire, over 300 hand-strung turquoise beads grace the trefoil centrally-positioned dynamic floral arrangement. The largest impressive 'mottled turquoise-blue' turquoise cabochon measures 33mm long and 17mm wide offering an unusual yet strikingly impressive contrast. These enchanting illustrious semi-precious gemstones are complemented by faceted and cabochon ‘richly mottled-red’ coral, the largest of which measures 14mm long and 11mm wide. A cascading 3.25 inch removable drop is attached by means of a spring clasp to the reverse of the centrally positioned flower. A pierced openwork hand-made sterling silver plaque of rectangular format is embellished with heart-shaped profiles and outfitted with four rings on which over 400 strung turquoise beads are secured by means of a well-constructed hook and a 2-inch adjustment chain. The matching earrings complementing this impressive and colorful necklace measure 1.5 inches long, 10mm wide and 8mm deep and are designed 'en suite' to form an attractive 'demi-parure'.

The term coral remains the subject of controversy amongst linguists. Some consider the Greek word 'koraillon' as the origin, meaning the calcareous skeleton of the coral animal while others advocate the theory that the name originates from the Hebrew word 'goral’, the word for the stones used to cast an oracle. As a matter of fact coral stems and branches resembling human shapes were often used in ancient times for casting oracles in Palestine and around the Mediterranean. Coral can be found in depths of up to three thousand meters in the seas around Japan, Taiwan and the Malayan Archipelago, in the Red Sea, the Biscayne Gulf and around the Canary Islands. Like pearls, coral is an organic raw material, both being products of the element water, chemically related as they both consist of over 90% carbonic lime. It is an interesting phenomenon that nature uses the same dull material to create fiery red coral and to grow beautiful pearls! For centuries, coral has been used not only to produce ornamental objects but it is also cherished as a protective charm. It continues to be used in many cultures around the world to protect against evil spirits, and the modern teachings of healing with gemstones recognize coral for its positive effect on soothing tensions and fears. The ancient belief in the protective power of coral, lives on in the traditional pink coral necklace gifts given to young girls as their very first item of jewelry.

Chalcedony is a variety of quartz formed not of one single crystal but a number of finely grained micro-crystals. The variety of chalcedonies is even greater than that of transparent quartz and covers a wide range of solid colors. Included in the extensive varieties of chalcedonies are agates, with banded patterns, bloodstone with red spots on a green background, jasper that can look like a landscape painting and black onyx which is another staple of the jewelry industry. Chrysoprase, a bright apple green and translucent gemstone, is the most valued variety of chalcedony and was a particular favorite of Frederick the Great of Prussia and can be seen today decorating many historic buildings in Prague.

For thousands of years, many cultures have appreciated turquoise as a holy stone, good-luck-charm or fortuitous talisman. Famous for the striking blue that has made the name 'turquoise' synonymous with this and all similar colors, even ancient Egyptian tombs contain artifacts mounted with this striking stone. A copper aluminum phosphate , turquoise occurs in a whole range of hues from sky-blue to gray-green. The main deposits of turquoise are in Iran, afghanistan, Mexico, Israel and China, while the most valuable varieties in a splendid light blue come from deposits in the north of Iran.

E105C2TC

Suggested Retail Price: $480.00 Your Price: $312.00 Wholesale Price: $240.00