Carved Coral Jewelry

Diamonds may sparkle, and gemstones may glitter, but there is nothing quite like carved coral jewelry to appeal to all the senses. Taken from the depths of the sea, and once part of a living coral reef, they can be carved into the most amazing shapes. Run your finger across the edges, feel the polished parts, and you will have a sensual pleasure that no cold stone could give.

Although it looks like a plant, and in ancient times was believed to be one, a coral reef is an animal, living and breathing and flourishing under the sea. Corals are in the class Anthozoa of the phylum Cnidaria. They live in colonies of many identical individuals. The reef builders among them inhabit tropical oceans and secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton.

The coral that we use for jewelry is a fossilized skeleton of the living being that inhabits the deep blue sea. Precious coral or red coral is what we call it, and in Latin, Corallium rubrum. The distinguishing characteristic of precious corals is their durable and intensely colored red or pink outer layer. While it is a dull matte in its natural form, jewelers polish it until it has a shiny, lustrous appearance, more lovely than any precious gem.

Because in many parts of the world naturally occurring coral reefs are being endangered by climate change and harvesting, many countries have passed laws protecting their coral reefs. However, coral can be cultured in small coral farms, and much of the coral jewelry that is currently available is cultured coral.

The gift of a coral ring or necklace is the gift of life, transformed by carving and polishing into a rare and beautiful form of art. For that reason, lovers the world over choose coral as a sensual and provocative gift.

According to LeVian fine jewelers, rhodium plated jewelry is a strong trend for the coming year. This sterling silver and red coral rhodium plated bracelet is a good choice for a mid-range priced gift of precious coral.

For those with a lighter complexion, there is nothing like a pair delicate pink rose blossom earrings carved in coral.

Just like a precious cameo brooch, this master carved coral ring is an unusual and thoughtful gift. Part sculpture, part jewelry, it will speak highly of both the giver and the recipient.

There is nothing more luxurious than eight strands of precious red coral. The feel of these polished coral beads around her neck will delight and seduce her. She will stroke the beads, unaware all the while that she thinks of you.

It's hard to say what it is about coral, but the gift of coral is not simply adornment to be put on and then later taken off. It lives and breathes with you. It whispers ideas of well-being and comfort. The ancients believed that coral necklaces could ward off evil and cure disease. While there is no evidence to support these claims, when you wear coral, you will feel the difference. More than mere jewelry, it as an accoutrement for life. The seductive power of coral will go a long way to making all your dreams come true.

Copyright 2010 Medora Trevilian