Pages

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

SOUTHWESTERN FLAIR -- Red, Black and Silver !


Southwestern jewelry comes in many styles , designs and colors.

In this jewelry set we have a silver plated 2 1/4/inch flower pendant nestled between natural red coral nuggets that alternate with large silver plated nuggets and black Agate (Onyx) rondels and silver roped highlights.















A silver plated large Toggle clasp completes this 20 inch necklace.





Matching silver plated French Hook earrings with a 2 inch drop complete the set.






Red Coral is a calcium carbonate (+magnesia+organic substance) found naturally in the Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Japan, Canary Isles and the Bay of Biscay. The most valuable of the varieties from these locations is red Coral. Only the calcified external skeleton of this sea creature (genus Corallium) is used in jewelry. Coral has been highly prized, worn in jewelry and used as an amulet or talisman since before the time of Egypt. Coral is one of the few Organic gemstones. All Corals except for the man-grown and harvested Sponge Coral, is being considered for addition to the endangered species listings.

Black Agate (Onyx) which is truely a died black Agate, is more common and perhaps the most famous variety, but not as common as natural Onyx. Onyx is a crypyocrystalline form of Quartz. The colors of its bands range from white to almost every color (save some shades, such as purple or blue). A picture of a true Black Onyx specimum is seen below. True specimens of Onyx contain bands of colors of white, tan, and brown. As stated, the pure black form which most people know as Onyx, is not a naturally occuring variety. Black Agate or poorly colored Onyx is heated and dyed black to come up with the pure black form so well liked within the jewelry industry.

Silver platednuggets and highlights complet the set.