In 1956, Alvin and Lula Begay were both born into artistic families in Winslow, Arizona. They have worked as a silversmithing team since 1991, each serving their own role; Alvin works on the overall composition and construction of the piece, while Lula works on the setting/cutting of the stones as well as the polishing and final touches.The dynamic pair is known to not use any pre-made findings, everything outside of earring posts are handcrafted. Alvin is especially known for using his techniques of double and triple overlay, reversible necklaces, shadowboxes, and engraving--often all on the same piece!

The Red Coral

The red coral (Corallium rubrum) is recognizable by the bright red color of its skeleton contrasting with its small white polyps that tirelessly shake their tentacles.It is found specifically in the Mediterranean Sea and the western Atlantic (from the south of Portugal to Cape Verde) where it generally lives attached to the ceiling of caves or on drop-offs. It grows very slowly, a few millimetres per year. It is its vivid color, which keeps its brilliance even out of water, which made its reputation and earned it its use in the making of jewelry or objects.