Ocean Dreamer's Jewelry

*SOLD* Shambhala Necklace

This wonderful necklace is a striking old Red Coral bead with beautiful silver repoussee caps on each end. This handmade bead came from Nepal where Tibetans generally regard red coral as being more precious than gold. Red Coral has been known to be used as a gem since prehistoric times and has a history of religious meaning and is one of the seven treasures in Buddhist scriptures. In the Tibetan culture, red coral is traditionally worn to ward off negativity. The bead hangs on black Greek leather, known for it’s smooth finish, consistent color and extra soft & supple texture from the very first time it’s worn.

Repoussee is a method of embossing a metal sheet by punching and hammering a design from the back, then polishing it up in front with a chasing hammer, producing a three-dimensional bas-relief surface.

Coral was once thought to be a plant and has been called the "garden of the sea". The ancient Egyptians placed pieces of coral in tombs as a protection against evil spirits because they believed that each piece truly contained a drop of divine blood. According to Greek mythology, when Perseus chopped off the head of the Gorgon Medusa, some drops of blood splashed into the sea, and thereby solidified into coral. Records dating back thousands of years confirm that coral was used in decorative art objects as well as jewelry. Coral symbolizes joy and happiness, it enables the wearer to enjoy life.

Length-16 inches. A 2 inch extender chain for additional length may be added below.