Coral, Jewel from the sea

Coral forms in tree like structures in warmer waters such as the mediterranean and around Japan and Australia. This is the external skeleton of a tiny water polyp which when polished up makes a wonderful Jewel.

Branch coral necklace

Coral can range in colour from pale pink, red through to black. Generally we see the pinky / red colour colour set into jewellery. it can be polished as a bead, a cabochon or carved as a cameo or intaglio.

Coral has been worn as a gemstone since the ancient times, it is known that the Ancient Egyptians wore it as did the ancient Greeks.

Coral can be imitated by glass, shell and plastic. Normally you can tell it apart as it is harder than shell or plastic and colder than glass. You can also look into the stone with a loupe ( 10x lens) when a piece of coral can be closely banded.

Clean coral jewellery with a soft damp cloth and try not to scratch your coral jewellery. Also avoid strong sunlight as it can fade, put it away after wear and keep it separate from your other antique jewellery.

coral bead cross

Antique pendant coral cross Victorian jewellery

A wonderful Antique pendant in the form of a cross made of coral beads. This is a large and impressive piece of jewellery measuring about 7 cms long and 5 cms wide. Each coral bead is wired separately to the metal back. 

This cross is in excellent condition especially considering that it is an original Victorian piece.

Coral is now a protected speciese in most places in the world with coral reefs dying out . To  help protect the environment and preserve coral reefs for the future we should perhpas just consider buying vintage and antique coral rather than new.