Coral Jewelry

Executive Summary about Coral Jewelry By Vivian Liu

Coral is the skeletal remains of a marine animal, the polyp corallicum, and is mainly composed of calcium carbonate. The most valuable type of coral is the noble red, Corallicum rubrum. Since Corals are calcified skeletons of sea creatures, they grow in formations resembling the branches of a tree. Most coral used for jewelry comes from the Mediterranean Sea or from the Pacific Ocean near Japan and Taiwan. Precious gem corals are formed deep undersea. A distinctive feature of the precious corals is that they take a perfect polish. In their natural state, corals have a tree-like appearance, which allows the maximum number of polyps to be fed by nutrients in the water surrounding the colony.

The color of coral ranges from white to red. Beautiful coral jewelry is made and worn in many parts of the world. Coral in the form of coral stone and gold jewelry is among the most ancient of gem materials; coral jewelry has been made in many parts of the world and used for adornment since prehistoric times. Coral inlays and coral jewelry have been found from the Iron Age. Coral has a history of religious significance.

History

Tibetan Lamas use coral rosaries. It is one of the seven treasures mentioned in the Buddhist scriptures, Coral Jewelry like coral bangles, coral necklace , coral rings, worn against the skin, touching it, was long thought to be powerful talisman that could stop bleeding, protect from evil spirits, and ward of hurricanes.

The traditional center for the fashioning of coral is Torre del Greco, near Naples. It was Napoleon's Italian campaign, with its associated taste for all things Italian that heralded the fashion for carved coral jewellery. In the 1870's coral was combined in bloomed gold brooches with diamonds and emeralds.

Care

Corals are delicate gems and should be taken proper care of. To clean Coral jewelry, wipe it gently with a moist soft cloth, as Coral is much softer than other gem materials with a hardness of only 3.5. Coral is also porous so care should be taken to see that coral jewelry does not come in contact with any chemicals.

Precious coral jewelry is the oldest form of gemstone jewelry with pieces as old as 25,000 years in museums. Each coral gemstone color has its own distinct quality. Black coral is exotic and dramatic and has long been considered to guard against misfortune. Pink coral is delicate and is said to bring good health.

Coral Jewelry - Treasures From The Sea

Executive Summary about Coral Jewelry By Victor Epand

Coral is found in still waters that are clear, with a depth between 25 and 1000 feet. The concentration and quality of the color of a coral enhances with the depth. However, coral is extremely sensitive in nature and could be replicated in water that has a temperature ranging between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius. The finest quality of coral is discovered in the waters of the Red Sea, the Bay of Biscay to Madeira, Mauritius, Southern Ireland, in the Canaries and the Cape de Verde Islands, the Malay Archipelago, in the Mediterranean, and in Japanese waters as well.

Italy is regarded as the center of coral jewelry making and Torre del Greco, which is in close proximity to Naples, is the place the finest coral jewelry in Italy is prepared. Bigger pieces are generally shaped into striking umbrella handles or walking sticks, whereas the smaller pieces are shaped into oval, round or egg shaped beads that are used in rosaries, necklaces and bracelets. Coral is perfect for carved cameos and is also made into gorgeous earrings, pillboxes, brooches, inlaid jewelry boxes, pendants, belt buckles, rings, tie bars and cuff links as well. A large amount of coral is sold to countries like China and India, where it is utilized in religious ceremonies. In the United States of America, the inhabitant Navajo and the Zuni silversmiths happen to design coral jewelry on a very large scale. The Zunis blend it with black jet, despite the fact that it wonderfully contrasts with turquoise as well. The San Domingo Indians shape coral into wampum-style beads as well.

The various colors of coral: Coral is also known as Corallo by the Italians and is found in a lot of distinctions. Red Coral

The Red Coral is a classic and happens to be quite costly as well. Red Coral is derived from the sandy bed of the Mediterranean, as well as the Gulf of Naples that happens to be in close proximity to Genoa. Precious or Noble Coral

This is a kind of red coral that is known as Corallium Nobile or Corallium Rubrum. This Precious coral is found in Sicily and Sardinia, the Mediterranean, and also in Morocco, Tunis and Algeria.

Black Coral

Blue Coral

It is called both Akori as well as Allopora Subviolacea. This remarkable selection has been discovered off the coastline of Cameroon.

Golden coral

Divers off the coastline of Maui, in Hawaii, have discovered and made this beautiful coral available. This coral has a resinous or glossy surface.