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Item Number: N-SS-AmethystRedCoralDisk

A lovely combination of fiesta red coral disks and faceted amethyst purple rounds wrapped in delicate .925 sterling silver wire and chain... finished with a .925 sterling silver trigger clasp.

Care and handling note: please do not use chemical sterling silver dip cleaner on the coral. It is natural coral and will damage it.

Precious coralis a gemstone quality variety of natural coral, closely related to reef-building 'stony' coral. Precious coral is a deep water coral that forms in rocky seabeds with low levels of sedimentation, typically in dark environments of over 500 feet deep, including caverns and crevices. Precious coral is slowly built by very small marine animals known as coral polyps. These tiny, soft-bodied creatures form with minute, hard shells that accumulate as the colony grows. Over time, the colony begins to form complex branches and skeletal structures composed of hardened calcium carbonate, and colored by carotenoid pigments. These biological formations grow very slowly, often as little as just 1 millimeter per year, ranging in size from small, hand-sized structures to enormous coral reefs.
Coral Gemstone Mythology, Metaphysical and Alternative Crystal Healing Powers

Since the beginning of the 1st millennium, precious coral has been highly prized as a gem believed to be endowed with mysterious, powerful and sacred properties. The Gauls often used coral gems as ornamentation for their helmets and weapons in the belief that it was a protective stone. Ancient Egyptians also placed coral in tombs of the deceased to protect against evil spirits because they believed each coral gem actually contained divine blood. The Romans hung branches of coral around the necks of their children to protect them from danger. In the early 20th century, the people of Italy used coral for protection from the 'evil eye' and many Italians used it for infertility.

In the Jyotish and Vedic practice of planetary gemology, red coral is the planetary stone for Mars. The Pueblo Indians considered coral to be one of the four elemental stones. Among the Hopi and Zuni tribes, the 'road of life' is symbolized by coral, jet, abalone and turquoise (the four elements). Although precious coral is not a traditional birthstone for any month, it is a zodiac stone for Pisces, Scorpio, Capricorn and Taurus. Red coral is ideal for the root or base chakra and pink coral can be beneficial for the heart chakra.

Coral Origin and Gemstone Sources

Though precious coral is found in locations all around the world, Torre del Greco (near Naples, Italy) has been the top coral trading center for over 200 years, processing nearly 75% of the entire world's supply of coral. Most of the precious coral available today is harvested from the western Mediterranean Sea, especially in Sardinia. Notable deposits are also found in the Red Sea, the Bay of Biscay, the Malaysian Archipelago, the Midway Islands, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and the Hawaiian Islands. Precious coral from Hawaii, coastal Japan, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea is considered to be the finest coral of today.

Amethyst

Since purple is considered to be one of the royal colors, amethyst has a historical importance as an insignia of power. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and they were also a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty. Amethyst also holds a high place in the ranks of the Christian church and was referred to as "the stone of bishops". The Greek word "amethystos" translates into "not drunken" and it was often worn as an amulet to protect against intoxication. Since amethyst was considered an antidote against drunkenness, many wine goblets were carved from amethyst stone. Still to this day, violet-purple amethyst is a symbol of sobriety.

Amethyst Gemstone Mythology, Metaphysical and Alternative Crystal Healing Powers

The legend of the origin of amethyst comes to us from a Greek myth. Dionysius, the god of intoxication, was angered one day by an insult from a human and swore revenge on the next mortal that crossed his path. Aggressive tigers would carry out his wish. Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana was to become the victim. Diana turned Amethyst into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the tigers' brutal claws. Dionysius wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears stained the quartz purple, creating the famous gem.

Amethyst is the birthstone for those who are born in February or for the zodiacal sign of Pisces.

Amethyst Origin and Gemstone Sources

The most important amethyst deposits are in Brazil, namely the "Palmeira" amethysts of Rio Grande do Sul and the "Maraba" amethysts of Para. Other significant amethyst deposits are located in Bolivia, Canada, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka, United States (Arizona), Uruguay and Zambia.

Dyed Amethyst and Red Coral - Choker Necklace - 14" - .925 Sterling Silver

SKU: N-SS-AmethystRedCoralDisk1
$62.00Price
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