Handmade Coral Jewelry

Pink Coral Garnet Vermeil Necklace

Pink Coral Garnet Vermeil Necklace

Coral Jewelry Throughout the Ages

Coral jewelry has been around for millennia. Ancient artifacts from around 41,000 years ago have been found decorated with this colorful stone. Actually, stone is not really the right word here as coral is made up of millions of microscopic organisms. Growing in colonies, they form the beautiful shapes and colors which we easily recognize. These vibrant tones can be seen in items such as John S. Brana’s spectacular Pink Coral Garnet Necklace.

Garnet Pink Coral Carnelian Necklace

Garnet Pink Coral Carnelian Necklace

Over the ages, coral has been thought to have supernatural properties. Even today, you can purchase coral jewelry for added protection. Black coral is known to guard against misfortune and looks fantastic when polished and set in gold. The pink coral found in pieces such as John S. Brana’s Garnet Amber Carnelian Necklace is thought to bring good health. This pink variety is found in a number of shades from almost white to salmon red and can have marbled qualities.

Variations in Coral Jewelry

There are also some rarer, more valuable types of coral. These variations grow incredibly slowly and so cannot be harvested often without damaging the fragile ocean ecosystem. Red coral was used in jewelry before Roman times and is seen as a truly passionate stone. The rarest coral, however, is gold coral which is only found in a few regions worldwide. Its mysterious chatoyance (a strange, moving inner light) makes this type of coral highly sought-after.

Cinnabar Coral Shell Necklace with Fine Silver

Cinnabar Coral Shell Necklace with Fine Silver

Coral Jewelry Care

Whatever type of coral jewelry you decide to purchase, care must be taken to prevent any damage. Coral is an incredibly soft, porous stone and must be packed away from sharp objects and harsh chemicals in order to preserve its beauty. By properly taking care of a piece of coral jewelry such as John S. Brana’s Pink Coral Cinnabar Necklace, you will have an object which will look stunning and elegant for life.

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Cocktail Rings

14K Gold Wire Sculpted Amethyst Cocktail Ring

14K Gold Wire Sculpted Amethyst Cocktail Ring

Make a Statement with Cocktail Rings

Cocktail rings are defined as oversized rings that usually feature wide or thick metal bands and large precious or semiprecious stones. They’re meant to be dramatic, attention-getting, and just a little bit over the top. Perhaps why they are so popular with celebrity divas!

This kind of statement jewelry has been popular since the 1920s when most people dressed for dinner, which is how these dazzling rings got their name. Usually worn on the middle or index finger of the right hand, they were often displayed prominently at upscale cocktail parties, film premieres, theater openings and just about anywhere else where one could flaunt their style and status. Those who might not have been able to afford diamonds during The Great Depression could still appear chic and fashionable in one of these oversized beauties.

Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Marquise Cut Blue Topaz Cocktail Ring

Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Marquise Cut Blue Topaz Cocktail Ring

Modern Cocktail Rings

In modern times, fashionable women wear cocktail rings for fun, drama, and to make a statement. A single amethyst, emerald, ruby or other large and colorful stone is generally the main feature in a cocktail ring but they can sometimes be surrounded by other smaller stones and embellishments. They can be made from the finest materials such as gold or platinum set with diamonds or from less expensive metals, semi-precious gemstones or even large glass beads.

Antique cocktail rings are in high demand at auctions, but modern versions are just as bold and stunning as ever. One bold and dazzling cocktail ring paired with polished fingernails wrapped around a martini glass makes quite a statement without any need for further embellishment.

Cocktail parties may not hold the same cachet as they once had, but cocktail rings still represent personal style and flair. They can be seen adorning celebrity hands at award ceremonies, fashion runways, and other social functions. But they’re not just for celebrities anymore. Cocktail rings are an essential component for anyone looking to ‘bring the bling’ to a night out on the town.

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