Rosy Coral and Herkimer Diamonds Forever

Necklace #84

20″

This gorgeous nearly 1 inch wide Bamboo Coral rose is surrounded by 12, 10mm Herkimer Diamonds, 6mm faceted Black Tourmaline, Quartz Crystal rondelles and turquoise and coral spacers.  It is very heavy in the hand as these stones are weighty.  The weight of this necklace feels really significant.  The ends and clasp are stainless steel and will not tarnish or change appearance.

This is a great statement necklace that will want to be enjoyed and worn again and again.

The Ancient roots of Chinese culture coral carving

Coral has been used in Chinese culture for centuries with evidence of its use as early as the Tang Dynasty. It was highly valued for its beauty, symbolic forms and use in jewelry and decorative items. Red Coral was highly esteemed and the Chinese culture viewed coral as rare and linked to mythical significance.  Coral Carvings, including roses, likely held symbolic meaning such as longevity and beauty.  The China Rose has been cultivated in China for thousands of years and features prominently in Chinese art and literature.  It’s ability to bloom repeatedly led to its symbolism of eternal spring and longevity.

Note about Bamboo Coral

Harvested Bamboo Coral for jewelry typically comes from dead coral.  This means that the coral material used in these items was once part of a living coral colony, but the animals within it have died, leaving behind their skeletons.

Bamboo Coral is not naturally red, it is white to off white in color.  Bamboo Coral is dyed to enhance its appearance and mimic the color of precious coral, which is naturally red due to pigments called carotenoids. Precious coral is extremely expensive and now very rare.

Bamboo coral is dyed red through a high-temperature oil-dyeing process.  This method ensures the red color is more durable and less prone to fading compared to water based dyeing.

A note about Herkimer Diamonds

Herkimers are actually a type of quartz, not true diamonds.  They are double terminated quartz crystals known for their exceptional clarity and natural faceting, which gives them a diamond like appearance.  While Herkimer Diamonds are found in great numbers in Herkimer, New York, they are also found around the world.  If you go to the facebook page, LeVay Gwinn Prospecting, you will see some examples of Herkimers in their dolomite host rocks as they are found in nature.  This prospector mined these specimens and has made them available to purchase.  These are beautiful specimens worthy of placement in your rock collection display.