Black Coral and Diamond Necklace in 14K White Gold

Coral is among the most ancient of gem materials, used for adornment since prehistoric times. Coral ornaments have been found in Celtic tombs from the Iron Age. Flattering against the skin, coral adds organic beauty to everything you wear. Most coral used in jewelry is found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific off Japan and Taiwan. The ancient belief in the protective powers of coral lives on in the tradition of red coral necklaces for small children.

14K white gold is the most popular white precious jewelry metal. Its pale glow is the perfect setting for cool-toned gems. Since gold is naturally golden yellow in color, to make 14K white gold, 58.5% gold is alloyed with white metals, usually silver, zinc, palladium, or nickel. These metals also improve the hardness, durability, and affordability of white gold jewelry, since pure gold scratches fairly easily. To get that bright shine, most white gold jewelry is also plated with rhodium, a platinum group metal.