Coral - The "Living" Jewelry

Corals are a miracle of nature because they can be regarded as a unique creation that is an animal, a plant and a rock altogether! Stony corals have skeletons and they build reefs, while the second type of corals -- soft corals -- has no bones. Actually, corals are not a single animal but colonies of polyps, which are very small animals with a mouth, a body sac, and tentacles. Within the body of the polyp a microscopic algae (plant) co-exists in symbiosis - the coral supplies the algae with carbon dioxide and nutrients, which the algae uses for photosynthesis and produces carbohydrates and oxygen that the coral uses for nutrition and respiration. Part of this energy goes to building a protective skeleton, and thus the coral resembles a rock -- a coral reef. Corals come in different colors and it is their beauty that has made them a favorite material in jewelry. But corals are not only beautiful - they contain many useful substances and are also used in the pharmaceutical industry. Since corals are so fragile and delicate, it is no wonder that in many countries they are a protected species, because only by caring for them can they be preserved for future generations. Corals are quite popular in today's fashion jewelry because of the bright and vivid colors in which they can be found. The red and pink color corals are the most popular, although yellow and orange corals are also found in nature. Good quality coral has a uniform color without any fissures, bands, cavities or spots. Generally coral are enhanced to improve its color and durability. To enhance the beauty of the coral, they are treated with different protective materials. White coral is bleached to enhance its beauty. Pink coral is treated with colorless wax and orange coral is stabilized using plastic. Black coral is bleached to create gold coral. The color of the red coral is dyed to deepen or to spread the color evenly all over the surface of the coral. Corals are the skeleton-like deposits of coral polyps and coral are found in several colors such Special care is needed to maintain the beauty of the coral. Coral is a soft and porous gem which will scratches and disintegrates easily. Chemicals such as chlorine, alcohol, ammonia, nail polish remover and other chemicals can damage the beauty of the coral. It should be keep away from other gemstones to prevent scratches. While washing and moisturizing your hands, it is better to remove your coral rings. Corals are used to make ornaments like earrings, finger rings, necklaces and chains.