Coral
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Coral refers to several species of marine coral including corrallium rubrum. Jewelry-grade coral is known for its bright red or pink skeletons that can be polished to a brilliant shine. The highest quality red coral comes from the Mediterranean Sea. Southwest Native American tribes first encountered this deep red Mediterranean Coral from contact with the Spanish in the 1600s. Coral quickly became a valuable trade item, and over time, the Puebloan tribes (particularly Zuni) and the Navajo (Diné) began featuring coral in their jewelry. Coral was seen as a symbol of wealth and status due to its rarity and high cost.
In recent years, Coral is increasingly protected, and much of the red coral used in Native American jewelry today derives from stockpiles of coral harvested years ago or repurposed from antique pieces. Other shades of coral from around the world are also featured in Southwest Native American jewelry, including pink ("Angel Coral"), orange, and black coral. The striking contrast of coral and turquoise is an iconic hallmark of American Indian jewelry.
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