Coral beads - an ornament created by nature

Natural coral is an organic compound consisting of calcium carbonate, magnesium impurities and iron oxide. He grows very slowly - about seven centimeters per year. Shallow-water corals are at a depth of about three meters, and deep-sea corals can be located at a depth of more than three hundred meters. Despite this, they are successfully mined in the required quantities.

The color of corals depends on the amount and composition of organic compounds. The most common are white, pink and red. Porous corals are much cheaper than deep-sea corals. The most valuable coral is considered black.

Researchers and specialists say that in nature there are more than 3500 varieties of corals with 350 shades. But do not think that they are all used to make jewelry. Most of them serve as raw materials for lime. Jewelers especially appreciate black coral, which is mined in India and China, pearl-silver ("angel skin") and white. The most popular and often used are the noble red and pink look.

Unfortunately, the high price of natural corals often leads to their forgery. More often on sale it is possible to meet plastic beads "under a coral" or the tinted, but inexpensive stone. Be careful when buying! Plastic or colored glass is colder, heavier and harder than coral.

Bracelets and beads from corals are sharpened - in this case, the product is carefully selected from small pieces. In addition, they can be pressed. Usually this method is used for the manufacture of large round products.

Coral beads were an ornament even in ancient times. Particles of coral pink color are found by archeologists during excavations of graves of the Paleolithic times. The ancient Greeks were convinced that the pink coral brings happiness and longevity, distances man from misfortune and makes him wiser. In Europe in the Middle Ages coral beads were considered a symbol of integrity. Indians of Mexico still believe that such an ornament can ward off evil spirits that cause fever.

Corals are shrouded in many legends, folk beliefs and signs. For a long time it is believed that coral beads completely relieve headache and sore throat. And for travelers such decorations are simply necessary, because they protect their owner from natural disasters and violence.

Jewelers really appreciate corals and love to work with them. Coral beads are a classic of jewelry, although you can often find bracelets, rings, earrings. Often, real pieces of jewelry with coral inserts.

Today, the most famous center for working with corals is Torro del Greco, an Italian town not far from Naples. Here you can buy corals and in kind, and as original souvenirs - in the form of decoration on intricate boxes, utensils. And, of course, in this city a huge selection of jewelry from corals.

Coral beads (photos are located above) - one of the most popular ornaments. Coral plantations are destroyed much faster than they manage to grow. Every year to buy products from valuable deep-sea coral is becoming more difficult. There are more and more fakes. And in the mid-seventies of the last century, artificially grown corals appeared - the brainchild of the Swiss firm Pierre Gilson.