Coral beads

Coral beads are made up of calcified skeletons of sea creatures. Most of coral used for jewelry comes from Mediterranean Sea or from Pacific Ocean near Japan or Taiwan.

Coral structure is particular for a particular species, physical properties of corals depends upon its environmental conditions. There are two types of corals Calcareous corals and Conchiolin corals. Calcareous corals are composed of Calcite and Conhiolin composed of proteins. Third type of coral used is Reconstituted coral; while making this coral, coral fragments are pulverized into a powder and it is soaked in binding agents and then pressed into a solid mass. Sometimes it is dyed to enhance the color.

Red corals are usually used to make beads as unique and unusual red coral. Pure Red coral is called ‘Fire coral’ or ‘Blood coral’. Pink coral is known as angel skin coral.

Coral beads are available in many different shapes like round; bamboo shape has shape of twigs to a large tusk. Beads can be given smooth tube shape, necklace or bracelet made up of this bamboo tube coral beads just look stunning. If you want some natural look you may opt for coral beads which have branch shape.

Red coral branch pieces just drilled at one end makes adorable piece of jewelry. Coral beads are also available in nuggets shape. Coral beads can be used as spacer in between some other gemstones. Coral beads are usually comes in sizes from 6mm to 10mm.

To clean coral beads, just wipe it gently with moist soft cloth. Since corals are very much softer than other stones it can be easily broken. Coral is so brittle it has hardness only 3.5. Store it very carefully to avoid scratches. Avoid chemical contact with coral as it has porous nature. If coral is exposed to very hot or humid conditions then dyed corals may lose color.