Jurassic Collar

Red Bamboo Coral, Green Serpentine Nuggets, Yellow Amber Resin, Bamboo-like Horn, Green Turquoise, Rusty Amber Bone and Antique Brass Necklace

Jurassic Collar has been sold, but if you like this style, let me know! I would love to work with you on a custom-designed piece of jewelry. Just send me a note at kelly@xogallery.com and we'll get started!

Sold Price: $146

Vivid and rustic, this soulful necklace is a brilliant combination of bright reds, yellows and greens fused with rugged and natural black and tan bamboo-like horn. The rough texture of the coral, freeform cut of the serpentine and earthy, primal character of the horn brings to mind images of the jungle and colorful tribal villages. I designed this piece to complement my Jurassic coral branch necklace, which was so named for the mammoth size of the coral as well as the nature of the bamboo-like horn. I have also created a casual and soulful bracelet to complete the set.

Beautiful discs and barrels of graduated red bamboo coral run throughout the necklace creating an overall continuity that the other beads flow with while at the same time produce a harmonious contrast. These beautiful coral beads are made from bamboo coral from the South Pacific. They are dyed to obtain the bright red color and they are polished smooth. Coral is a calcium carbonate that is built up by the skeletons of small sea animals. It often grows in branches that look like underwater trees, and it is found in the Mediterranean Sea and in the Pacific Ocean off Japan or Taiwan. This type of coral grows in segmented branches (thus the name bamboo) with beige sections that partially cover the black underlayer. The beads retain the texture of their natural formations which gives them a primitive, natural appeal.

The bamboo-like tubes are carved in India from the horn of the water buffalo. These beads are lightweight and have a wonderful rough appearance and texture. The amber yellow beads are handmade in Indonesia from tree resin. The fascinating green freeform beads are cut from the gorgeous serpentine stone. These beads have a great depth and superb marbling effect. Chips of green turquoise provide a balance to the serpentine. And vintage brass beads run throughout the necklace providing contrast to the bright colors as well as providing a look of antiquity to the necklace in general.

This alluring necklace makes a great statement piece with any wardrobe selection and can be easily worn throughout the year. It closes with an antiqued brass lobster clasp and can be adjusted in length from 18 to 22 inches.