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This particular design incorporates the main Southwest Indian colors, Turquoise, Red, Black and Silver. A stabilized Arizona Turquoise in free form shape is strung with Silver Beads, Turquoise rondels, black Agate (Onyx) rondels and red Sponge Coral barrels. A two inch extender gives the necklace extra length if needed. A choice of two styles of coordinating silver French Hook earrings complete the set..
Stabilized turquoise - Turquoise that is soft or normally referred to as "chalk" Turquoise is infused with a clear epoxy resin. This resin, under pressure, is absorbed into the rock, which permanently hardens the rock and deepens the color. Unlike the collectible natural Turquoise which deepens in color over time by gradually absorbing oils from the skin as it is worn, the colors in stabilized Turquoise are permanent. Most of the Turquoise on the market today is stabilized and should not cost as much as natural Turquoise. Stabilized turquoise can be very beautiful, and is a good buy. Because of it's hardness and consistant color, stabilized Turquoise wears much better in Jewelry.
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Sponge Coral is a natural organic substance that is considered a newcomer to the jewelry industry. It is related to the more traditional red/pinkish coral, thus Sponge Coral is not on the endangered species list, plus it is a sustainable product. Sponge Coral is a farmed product and thus is not removed from the Coral Reef and does not cause the environmental damage associated with traditional corals. Traditional coral is usually used in its natural shape which resembles a twiglet whereas Sponge Coral is reconstituted into different shapes. 
These shapes can either then be used as they are or used to produce a mosaic effect or other patterns. Sponge Coarl is used extensively in Silver Inlay and Intarsa products. Sponge Coral must be stabilized. Without the stabilising and polishing the sponge coral would be very brittle and dull in appearance. Sponge coral should not be placed in hot water or come into direct contact with perfumes or other chemicals. When wearing sponge coral, perfume should be applied prior to wearing so that you are not applying perfume directly on to the sponge coral. Sponge Coral may be cleaned by using a moist soft cloth and do not use any abrasive or chemical cleaners. Some dealers confuse Spiney Oyster with Sponge Coral, which ar two totally different items.
These shapes can either then be used as they are or used to produce a mosaic effect or other patterns. Sponge Coarl is used extensively in Silver Inlay and Intarsa products. Sponge Coral must be stabilized. Without the stabilising and polishing the sponge coral would be very brittle and dull in appearance. Sponge coral should not be placed in hot water or come into direct contact with perfumes or other chemicals. When wearing sponge coral, perfume should be applied prior to wearing so that you are not applying perfume directly on to the sponge coral. Sponge Coral may be cleaned by using a moist soft cloth and do not use any abrasive or chemical cleaners. Some dealers confuse Spiney Oyster with Sponge Coral, which ar two totally different items..
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 at the left. 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..
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