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Special Thanks to HeHiSheLo for Attribute Description
(www.hehishelo.co.uk) Carnelian Drusy & Fossilized Red Coral Pendant Description: Teardrop Carnelian Drusy with Fossilized Red Coral cabochons set in
Sterling Silver (.925) Item Number: 26 Artist: Mark Finch Produced: September 2007
Carnelian
Attributes: Physical Helps
with circulatory problems, neuralgia, gall stones, kidney stones, pollen
allergies and colds. It helps a little with spine, spleen and pancreas
disorders. Increases physical energy and personal power. Mental/Emotional
Eases
anger and frustration. Dispels apathy and lethargy. Engenders compassion.
Focusing. Motivational. Stimulating. Encourages one to question and enquire
and so a good stone to study with. Spiritual Encourages
present moment awareness. 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. |
