Coral Jewelry

Coral derives its name from a combination of two German words, 'koraillon' signifying hard and calcareous body of the Coral animal, and 'kura-halos' meaning mermaid or daughter of the sea. Crafted by nature under water over thousands of years, corals are believed to protect children from evil influences, also providing protection for sea travel and a healthy future. They are also known for attracting love and providing a long happy marriage, and promoting courage, reason and wisdom. Corals are mysterious gems, known for their fascinating charm and magical powers. First discovered in the sixth century, they have fascinated us since with their deep and passionate red color. In certain countries, coral powder and ash is used to make Ayurvedic medicines; Tibetans have long been carving Buddha's prayer beads and charms from red firestone corals, believed to protect against evil. The Romans and Greeks have used corals to adorn caskets, rings, tiaras etc. Corals add zestfulness to every outfit that adorn them. Over the years, they have become very rare, and very expensive. Natural red, blue and white corals are among the most expensive available. Genuine corals do not have holes or striations in them, which is how one can identify a real coral from an imitation. Corals are mainly found in seas around Taiwan, Japan, the Malayan Archipelago, the Biscayan Gulf, the Red Sea, around the Canary Islands, eastern Australia and Midway Island with depths ranging from three to three thousand meters. For jewelry, corals are derived from the species 'Coralluim rubrum' or 'Coralluim japonicum.' Corals are produced by tiny life forms which settle in the depths of warm seas in vast numbers, thousand and thousands of years ago. They grow up to a height of 40cm, with the thickness of its branches hardly measuring to 4cm. These parts provide the valuable raw materials which are turned in to beautiful pieces of jewelry, carved objects or coral balls. Good quality corals have an even color and no fissures, spots, cavities or bands. Corals need not be red in color as nature provides a variety of shades, ranging from deep velvety red to pale petal pink, and white coral slightly blushed by pink. These eye-catching coral jewelry go a long way with just a little care.