Graduated Coral & Coin Silver Bead Necklace

Coral red, broken up by just enough silver to keep it honest.

This graduated coral and coin silver bead necklace dates to the early 20th century, made of coin silver and rubrum coral. Red coral has been prized in many cultures as jewelry and as a protective material, while coin silver is what its name suggests, metal that began as currency. Barrel-shaped coral beads grow steadily larger toward the front, where silver beads are spaced between them, and a ribbed metal clasp closes it at the back. It is 21 inches long.

A bank and a reef, sharing one string.