Turquoise and Coral Necklace ‘House of the Sun’

An ethnic necklace, the main element of which is a pendant made from a natural turquoise donut and 999 silver. I suspended the pendant on a necklace made of red coral in the shape of tubes, slices of turquoise and hematite, and 925 silver. The piece was entirely handcrafted from the ground up using the wire wrapping technique.

Turquoise has been treasured as a gemstone for thousands of years, owing to its unique hue that ranges from blue to green, influenced by the amounts of copper and iron within it. Its name originates from the French expression “pierre turquois” which means “Turkish stone,” reflecting the trade routes that brought it to Europe from the mines in Asia. Historically, turquoise has been mined in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt since around 3000 BCE, making these mines some of the oldest known sources of the gem. Turquoise jewelry holds a special place in many cultures, symbolizing wealth, power, and protection. Native Americans, particularly in the Southwestern United States, have a long tradition of creating exquisite turquoise jewelry, believing the stone brings good fortune and strength.

A turquoise pendant, especially when crafted with the intricate method of wire wrapping, becomes not just a piece of jewelry but a work of art. Wire wrapping allows each pendant to be unique, showcasing the natural beauty of turquoise while securely holding the stone without the need for soldering. This technique emphasizes the individuality of each piece, making turquoise pendants highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. Turquoise’s occurrence is often in arid regions, with notable mines in Iran, the United States, China, and Mexico, each location producing stones with distinct colors and matrix patterns. The enduring appeal of turquoise jewelry, from ancient talismans to contemporary designs, continues to captivate people worldwide, symbolizing a connection to the ancient world and the timeless beauty of nature.

Coral, unlike most gemstones, is organic, originating from the skeletal remains of marine polyps. For centuries, it has been cherished in various cultures for its vivid colors and intricate natural patterns. Coral reefs, primarily found in tropical ocean waters, are the primary source of coral used in jewelry making, with the Mediterranean Sea and waters around Japan and Taiwan being historically significant sources. The use of coral in adornments dates back to ancient times, with evidence of coral jewelry found in ancient Egyptian and prehistoric European burials. Coral’s rich, natural red and pink hues have made it a popular material for jewelry, symbolizing life, blood, and protection.

A coral necklace, especially when combined with pendants, showcases the natural beauty of the sea, making it a timeless piece in any jewelry collection. Necklaces made from coral are not only stunning but also carry a piece of oceanic history and cultural significance. In the Victorian era, coral jewelry became highly fashionable, believed to ward off evil spirits and illnesses. Today, coral is still revered in jewelry making, though responsibly sourced coral has become a priority to protect the world’s coral reefs from overharvesting. The allure of coral jewelry, from necklaces to earrings and bracelets, remains undiminished, symbolizing both a connection to the natural world and a heritage of artistic expression.

Materials:
– Turquoise
– Coral
– Hematite
– Silver 925 and 999

Colors:
Red, blue, silver

Dimensions:
Turquoise donut diameter: 4 cm. Pendant height: 5 cm. Necklace length: 61 cm. Weight: 52 g.