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Special Thanks to HeHiSheLo for Attribute Description
(www.hehishelo.co.uk)
Fossilized Red Coral Pendant
(Not Dyed)
Description: Fossilized Red Coral Cabochon set in Sterling Silver (.925)
Item Number: 14
Artist: Mark Finch
Produced:
June 2007
 
Red Coral
Attributes:
Civilizations throughout time located near
shallow waters or those with established trade routes have utilized coral in
their jewelry. In ancient times coral jewelry was particularly prized
for its many believed supernatural benefits, including as a ward against
accidents and a protective amulet against magic. Coral is also a symbol for
the Life Force Energy, and is believed to help bring harmony to your heart.
Coral is a soft gem, making it easy to shape and work with, attributes that
allowed prehistoric peoples to utilize it for personal ornamentation in
various forms of jewelry. The use of coral in early jewelry evolved from mere
adornment to charms with talismanic properties. Coral jewelry was worn often
as a talisman to ward off evil spirits, witchcraft, and the devil. Coral is
also attributed with providing vitality, physical strength, strengthened
marital relationships, wealth, increased sensuality, and provided protection
while out to sea. Ancient peoples also used coral for medicinal purposes to
treat ailments of the blood and head, and to strengthen the immune system by
supporting the lymph nodes.
Coral grows and is found in salt water depths from 25 to 1000 feet. Increased
demand for coral has led to the near depletion of shallow-water occurring
coral. Though coral found in shallow waters sees more harvesting, that which
occurs in deeper water is of better color and quality. The most desired
specimens of the Mediterranean Sea and Sea of Japan are among the nearly
depleted supplies. It naturally occurs in many colors including white, black,
blue, lavender, pink, and many shades of red. While each color has been used
in jewelry, it is red coral (Corallium rubrum and Corallium japonicum)
that has flourished aesthetically in jewelry and charms. Because the demand
outweighs the supply, jewelers have resorted to alternatives; namely dyed sea
bamboo coral (Keratoisis profunda) and sponge coral (Eunicella verrucosa).
Bamboo and sponge coral are more readily available and lessen not only the
stress on the dwindling red coral supply, but also the cost of materials. The
majority of coral jewelry on the market today is bamboo or sponge coral that
provide the attractive look of coral without the heavy price. These are
attractive substitutions, but there are some notable differences between them
and red coral. Sponge coral is very porous and is known to have brown
patches. It can be stabilized to have a smooth surface, but brown swirls can
still be visible. Bamboo coral is smoother than sponge coral, but occurs
white in nature. It is dyed to achieve the red color. Poor quality bamboo
coral jewelry can lack uniform color, and may appear streaky. Also visible
can be black spots a natural occurrence in bamboo coral. The use of bamboo or
sponge coral in jewelry is widely accepted, though it is important the coral
be labeled as such.
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