Zuni Natural Red Coral Inlay Bracelet

Zuni jeweler, Larry Loretto, made this stunning channel inlay, natural red coral bracelet.  There are 44 "bricks" of coral.  The bracelet weighs 2 ounces, a good weight.  It is absolutely gorgeous.  Stamped "LORETTO" and "STERLING" inside.  More about channel inlay below.

Size: 6" Long with 1.5" Opening

Channel inlay jewelry is a process used extensively by Native American jewelers, particularly those in Zuni Pueblo.  Many other talented jewelers from other tribes in the Southwest also make channel inlay jewelry.  The metal channel, usually silver, is soldered onto the back to create the design.  Afterward, the stones are cut to fit into each section.  It is an exacting process which shows in the beauty of the work of the finished piece(s).