In its early days, WAR, Int’l carried a U.S. government-issued fishing and wildlife license in order to import coral. Now we use dyed howlite, a natural gemstone. But back then, this necklace of mine was one of the original coral necklaces. Nested within the brilliant red flowers are eleven real pearls, emanating joy just like the personality of the precious woman who created it.

“Katie” started a business to employ both abused and at-risk women in her native land of Thailand. She used to jump up and down in joy, squeal and shout as she saw me walking towards her small store. Safely tucked inside were women at risk from surrounding nations. When one of them returned home to her village to have her baby with her husband and family, I was worried about the medical costs and asked Katie if I could help. She fluffed me off and said with a giggle, “I give them health benefits.” This was a rare occurrence and showed me I could trust her to care for her women!

I sat with American jewelers in her store for hours as they designed jewelry and listened to whispered stories among the women. Worn for years with pride, this statement piece has had the gentle watering of tears of sorrow turned to tears of joy. This beautiful necklace pairs equally well with a suit or a pair of jeans, and you can wear it knowing it was crafted with love and has witnessed the power of rescue and work with dignity in lives that are now transformed.

Approximate necklace dimensions: 18" long with 1.5" diameter flowers and metal spring ring clasp.