Pohaku Puna Finger Coral + Gems necklace – airy branches that are the essence of the Hawaiian reef. Finger corals are reef-builders, creators of the all important barrier that protects our shorelines and sustains marine life in our islands. Wear this necklace as a choker or as a regular necklace. Choose from eco-friendly silicone in black or a silver snake chain. For something extra special also see our Coral Reef Necklace.
Add a burst of color to dance between your finger coral – much like the fish and dragon morays we look for while diving!
A note on the gems – stones are set in our Hammer design that suspends from the necklace with the stone facing out. On request we can set as a Kettlebell – the gem hangs with the stone facing down, which could work well for taller people or shorter choker lengths. Click the option to see the differences.
A note on gem cuts – Cabs are cabochons – a smooth mound of gemstone that will sit above the bezel. Rose cuts are like cabochons with facets, sitting above the bezel. Round cut is the classic brilliant cut with a flat top, which means the top of the gem will sit flush with the top of the bezel.
Porites compressa (Finger coral)
Pohaku Puna, also known as finger coral, are endemic to the Hawaiian islands. As a photographer, I first loved them because they house and protect so many beloved underwater creatures; thus finger corals became a favorite hunting ground for dragon morays, flame angelfish, and other uncommon fish. But their role in our reef ecosystems far outshines even the beautiful dragon moray.
Finger coral is an important reef-building coral and is most commonly found in shallow, protected waters (but has also been found in the open ocean). Coral reefs are essential not just to house and protect marine wildlife, but also to protect coastlines from storms and erosion, reducing average wave height by an estimated 84%! And as hotbeds of biodiversity while they only make up about 1% of the ocean floor, they support 25% of marine species.
Pohaku Puna in particular is not only beautiful but it used to cover much of our reefs on Oahu (and other islands), but now we find it only in pockets such as Kaneohe Bay, and Hanauma Bay. Pollution (runoff, fuel spills), people (trampling, anchor breakage, illegal harvesting), marine debris (derelict fishing gear), alien species and climate change are all major threats that affect finger coral. Sadly, they are now listed as near threatened by IUCN and in cites appendix ii.