Mediterranean Coral Earrings, Extra-Fine Coral & Silverwork - Larry Joe, Navajo

Description

View Mediterranean Coral Earrings, Extra-Fine Coral & Silverwork - Larry Joe, Navajo with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. Larry Joe has had a distinguished career as a silversmith. He's the younger brother of jeweler Alfred "Al" Joe, who started him down the silversmithing path, and he also took classes in the jewelry program at the University of Northern Arizona, where more than a few other outstanding silversmiths have honed their craft. In Brief Elegant dangle earrings feature bright silver half-bead top pieces and elongated oval coral cabochons Beautifully paired, large, natural red coral cabs are smooth and have even coloration Silver is polished to a high shine Coral is set off by a single row of twist wire and a row of silver raindrops, each stamped to resemble a drop of water landing in a pond Total length is 2 1/16 inches; dangles are 1 3/16 inches; silver half-beads are 5/8 inch diameter Earrings come with extra-large sterling clutches for comfort and stability on the lobes Each dangle is stamped on the back: ".925" (for sterling) and with Larry Joe's "LRJ" hallmark inside a diamond-shaped outline These earrings are "new," but have been in our store vault for close to 20 years Larry Joe has had a distinguished career as a silversmith. He's the younger brother of jeweler Alfred "Al" Joe, who started him down the silversmithing path, and he also took classes in the jewelry program at the University of Northern Arizona, where more than a few other outstanding silversmiths have honed their craft. Larry's fine designs, excellent workmanship and high-quality materials have earned him top honors at juried shows, including the Santa Fe Indian Market and the annual Navajo Show at the Museum of Northern Arizona, in Flagstaff. He works in contemporary and traditional styles, sometimes combining elements of both, as he did in these earrings. Every piece that bears his name is meticulously hand-made by Larry himself, so his output is limited. And when he uses stones, they are choice. This coral is no exception. Besides being a vibrant, rich red, these are unusually large cabochons. The Italian coral beds have suffered from overharvesting, warming water temperatures, and pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. They are now closed to harvesting while marine biologists work to improve conditions for future growth. But the beds are so severely depleted, it's believed that they will not be open again in our lifetime. So the message is clear: there is a very small, finite supply of high-quality, natural red coral on the market. These pieces are the very rare, real deal! Coral is cut from rough "branches" into the desired shape before being ground down and polished. Large cabochons such as these were cut in Italy, by hand. The cabochon on the right is just slightly longer than the one on the left. It also contains a tiny pit that has been ground smooth. This cab is very slightly lighter in color than the coral in the other earring. The left-hand piece in all the other photos is perfectly smooth and is close to oxblood coral in color. It is a rich red, and so is the one on the right. The slight difference can be seen when the earrings are side by side on their earring card. But when worn, the difference cannot be observed. This is nitpicking, but we want to give you all the details. So far, we've described the coral, but not the fine silver work, which sets off the red coral beautifully--and appropriately. One reason why coral is beloved by desert-dwellers is its association with water, so the silver "raindrops" that surround the coral are an apt border to set it off. But just for emphasis, each raindrop is stamped with a circle that gives the impression of the ripple that forms when a raindrop lands in a puddle or pond. Stamping each tiny silver "drop" was a labor of love! One of Larry's specialties is silver beads, and his skill shows in the perfect, shiny half-bead that tops each dangle. Both are polished to a mirror shine and catch light beautifully--like sunlight reflecting on calm water. The bottom line is that these are gorgeous, dramatic, eye-catching earrings made to a high standard--and absolutely captivating to coral lovers! The Fine Print--Very Important Payments: As in a conventional auction, we expect prompt payment, unless prior arrangements have been made. In the absence of such arrangements, eBay requires payment within 48 hours from end of listing. If you intend to bid on another of our items and combine shipping, please let us know in advance. DO NOT BID if you can't or won't pay for your item. A lso Important: Be sure to read the description and view all the photos, so you'll know what to expect. Our responsibility is to give an accurate and complete description; your responsibility is to read and understand it. We're glad to answer any questions you may have prior to bidding or buying. Pay particular attention to measurements given for bracelets and rings, and please ask about the fit if you're unsure. Returns cost you money and us time, so we don't accept them. Exceptions would be if we sent you the wrong item, or grossly misrepresented it. If something should go wrong, please contact us within 3 days of receipt. We expect that you'll be happy with everything you buy from us. Who We Are Canyon Echoes Gallery is an eBay store that sells excellent Native American jewelry and fetish carvings and strives to provide equally good customer service. Now in our 25th year in business, we deal in genuine American Indian goods, including new and vintage/antique items. Most come from either the artists themselves, reservation trading posts, or veteran dealers with impeccable credentials. Almost every piece of Native American art offers insight into the culture behind it. Sometimes you can see it right away; other times it's more subtle. But you'll never find that special quality in a cheap imitation. That's why we're so particular about what we sell...and have been since 1995. We think we have some of the best Indian material on eBay and hope you think so, too. If you like what you see, please view our other listings and make us one of your favorite stores. We welcome the opportunity to serve you, and... We're glad to combine shipping to save you money. Thanks for your business--we truly appreciate it! Condition: New with tags. Category: Jewelry & Watches › Ethnic, Regional & Tribal › Earrings. Brand: Larry Joe.

Materials sourced from

USA

Country of Origin

United States

Modified Item

No

Artisan

Larry R. Joe

Jewelry Type

Earrings

Type

Earrings

Signed

Yes

Brand

Larry Joe

Ethnic & Regional Style

Native American

Handmade

Yes

Style

Dangle/Drop

Metal Purity

.925

Main Stone

Natural Mediterranean Coral

Metal

Sterling Silver

Tribal Affiliation

Navajo