A remarkable study in color, texture and abundance, this vintage necklace features approximately ten strands of softly polished salmon-pink coral, punctuated by an eclectic scattering of turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, and shell beads.
The coral is especially beautiful in person, presenting a softer blush-to-salmon pink than photographs fully capture. Individual beads retain subtle variations in shape, tone and surface, creating the wonderfully organic character associated with hand-worked natural materials.
Throughout the strands, flashes of unexpected moments of color give the necklace its distinctive personality.
At approximately 30 inches long and adjustable to approximately 34 inches, this is a substantial necklace with an exceptionally fluid drape. Despite its abundance, the relatively slender coral beads keep the piece elegant rather than visually heavy. Wear it alone as a statement or layer it with turquoise, sterling silver and other collected pieces.
The construction and design vocabulary are strongly evocative of and consistent with contemporary Southwestern and Pueblo multi-strand jewelry traditions, where coral, turquoise and contrasting materials have long been combined. Modern secure clasps and adjustable closures are also found in contemporary artisan work, particularly on larger multi-strand necklaces. As this example is unsigned and its original maker is undocumented, however, Curated Luxury makes no definitive tribal or Native American attribution.
Details
- Vintage multi-strand necklace
- Approximately 10 strands
- Salmon / blush-pink coral
- Coral beads approximately 2.9 mm wide at measured example
- Turquoise and assorted colorful accent beads
- Approximately 30"–34" adjustable length
- Lobster clasp with extender
- Unsigned / maker unknown
- Excellent condition
Curator's Note:
The beauty of this piece lies in its restraint within abundance. Ten strands of coral could easily become formal or overwhelming; instead, the tiny interruptions of turquoise and color make it feel collected, artistic and unexpectedly modern. It is precisely the kind of jewelry we love at Curated Luxury—a piece that invites a second look.
