All about Coral!

•What is coral?
The coral used for jewelry is an organic substance that is actually the skeleton of a small marine animal called a coral polyp. These creatures live in branching colonies that form coral reefs and atolls as the lower levels of members die and the newer members grow on top of them. Coral’s chemical composition is calcium carbonate (but it is not recommended that it be used as a calcium supplement!).

•Where is coral found?
Coral is found in warm waters off the coast of Japan, and also in the Red Sea, and along the Mediterranean, African, and Malaysian coasts. Black and golden coral (made of conchiolin) is found in the waters around the West Indies, Australia, and along the coasts of many of the Pacific Islands.

•Color
Coral comes in lovely shades of red and pink (the most popular hues), as well as the rarer white, black, blue, and golden colors. Japanese coral is always red, pink, or white.

•Shape
Coral is either hand-carved (both for setting into jewelry and for making figurines); cut and polished into cabochon (domed) shapes; or fashioned into beads for stringing. Because of its organic nature (and softness) coral is never faceted like other harder, mined gemstones. Oval cabochons are a very popular use of coral, and are often found in rings, pendants, and earrings.

•Durability
On the Mohs 1 to 10 Hardness Scale, coral is a mere 3, and, thus, is considered a very delicate gemstone. It can chip or crack if banged on a hard surface, such as the edge of a filing cabinet or a faucet. Also, because of its calcium carbonate nature, it should not be exposed to acids (such as the juice from an orange on your fingers), nor should it be sprayed with cologne, powder, or hairspray. (Put your coral jewelry on after using your scents and sprays.) Coral is also sensitive to heat and can crack or break if boiled or exposed to excessive heat. Also, repeated exposure to water may make its color fade. It is therefore not recommended to wear coral while swimming or showering. A tip: Treat your coral the way you would your pearls.

•Quality
A deep, vivid red color and a smooth luster are often considered marks of a quality coral piece. Black coral should be highly polished and almost look like onyx. White coral with a tinge of pink — known as angel skin coral — can be expensive and has been used extensively in jewelry in recent years. As with all organics (pearl, amber, ivory, shell, etc.), the beauty of a piece is in the eye of the beholder and many people delight in the natural “wood grain” lines and imperfections of a “less than perfect” piece of coral.

•Legend and lore
According to legend, coral can protect children, cure madness, impart wisdom, stop bleeding, calm storms, prevent sterility, and allow travelers to safely cross large bodies of water. Coral is also rumored to create an emotional openness in its wearer and to generate excitement and enthusiasm.

•Care
Coral jewelry should be gently cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent, such as a dishwashing solution. Do not immerse coral in any solutions containing ammonia or any other harsh solvents. (Note: Commercial jewelry cleaning solutions often contain ammonia or other chemicals which will harm coral.) Rinse the piece thoroughly in warm water and pat dry with a towel or paper towel. Do not boil coral jewelry and do not dry it by using a heater or blow dryer.