Vintage Branch Coral Necklace

Vintage white branch coral necklace with pink coral accents. This 17" branch coral necklace is circa 1960's. Coral has been a popular compenent of Native American jewelry making for centuries, though most jewelry seen today comes from the Mediterranean area of Europe. The history of this strand is unknown, but it is lovely. 
 
White Hawaiian black coral is now protected, the reddish pink varieties are still available to jewelers. Coral is considered an "organic gemstone" along with pearls and amber. It is made out of calcium carbonite that's secreted by organisms known as polyps and mostly found in tropical oceans. The harvesting of coral is not condoned by us, but this piece is 40+ years old. Screw together barrel clasp is unmarked silver-tone.