Coral

Coral is the limestone skeleton of small colonies of marine polyps. Red, pink and orange coral from the Mediterranean and the Pacific has been carved since antiquity into beads, branches and cabochons, and many cultures have regarded it as a protective amulet.

Properties #

• Composition: calcium carbonate (calcite) with organic matter.
• Hardness: around 3.5 on the Mohs scale.
• Colors: red, pink, orange, white and, more rarely, black and blue.
• Presentation: natural branches, round beads, cabochons and carvings.
• Sensitivity: it reacts to acids, and fades with sun and heat.

Uses in jewelry #

• Necklaces of coral beads or branches.
• Cabochons in rings and pendants.
• Earrings and brooches with a classic look.
• Amulets and traditional jewelry.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

• Intense, warm color.
• Very old tradition and symbolism.
• It polishes to a soft shine.

Limitations #

• It is soft and scratches.
• Harvesting is regulated and many species are threatened.
• Imitations in glass, resin and dyed bamboo exist.

Care and cleaning #

• Avoid perfume, acids, heat and direct sun.
• Wipe with a soft damp cloth.
• Store it apart so other jewelry does not scratch it.

See also #

• Pearls
• Mother-of-pearl and shells
• Amber