Coral

The coral of jewelry, does not form in reefs but as small branch-like structures. It is the skeletal remains of a marine animal. The most valuable type of coral is the noble red. Coral comes in a variety of colors: pink to dark red, white or pink spotted, orange, blue to violet, golden brown and black, the last three being of the organic variety and rarely used in jewelry.

Coral is discovered in still, clear water between 25 and 1000 feet deep. The intensity and quality of coral color increases with depth, but coral is very sensitive and can breed only in water temperatures between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius. These ideal conditions are met in only several places: The best coral is found in the waters of southern Ireland, the Bay of Biscay to Madeira, in the Canaries and the Cape de Verde Islands, in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, Mauritius, the Malay Archipelago, and in Japanese waters.

Once carved by the ancient Egyptians into scarabs, coral has been utilized as a jewelry medium for thousands of years. The ancient Romans and Etruscans held coral in high regard, wearing it extensively. During the Middle Ages much superstition was attached to the wearing of coral. It was fashioned into rosary beads or worn as a talisman against evil spells, witchcraft and the devil. If the wearer was to become seriously ill, coral was said to lose its color. Tibetan Lamas use coral rosaries, Coral is one of the seven treasures in 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.

Perhaps it was due to its amuletic association that coral has been for centuries chosen for use in christening presents. A coral bead necklace would be given to a baby girl; a boy may receive a silver rattle fitted with a coral teething bar.




Glossary