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 Perhaps coral is among the very few
precious stones that have been associated with numerous myths and connotations
through ages and round the globe. It is the earliest gem to be used as a
jewelry medium and coral jewelry and inlays have been found even from the Iron
Age. People from the ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire and the Etruscans used to revere coral very highly and
it is one among the seven treasures in the Buddhist scriptures. It also found
its way as a sacred jewelry in India and China. Besides, coral has a long
history of religious as well as cultural significance - it was esteemed as a
talisman against evil, to be a harbinger of health and prosperity, a ward of
hurricane and even as a panacea.
Pink
coral (Corrallium Secundum) is known as Peau d'ange
or the angel
skin coral and one of the three prominent varieties of coral.
Pink coral takes in all the varieties of pink color - ranging from a
slight salmon red to a hibiscus pink to a pale whitish pink as well. Besides,
some large corals naturally have appealing marbled and shaded complexion and these
stones remind you of the beautiful and fragrant blossoms of the Polynesian
islands. Pink coral has been believed to be a harbinger of sound health and jewelry
made of this delicate gem is traditionally regarded as a souvenir for the 35th
marriage anniversary. And though the value of pink coral stones depends on its
rarity, all its shades are highly valued for the touch of delicacy and
fineness.
Formation and locales
Pink corals were first discovered near
Makapuu Point in Oahu in mid sixties and these days most corals used for
jewelry come from the Mediterranean Sea or form the Pacific Ocean near the
Japan or Taiwan. Corals are known to grow in deep submarine colonies at a
pretty slow pace and are very sensitive to the temperature. They can breed only
in water temperature between 13 to 16 degrees celcius.
Now, this precious gem is actually
fossilized skeletons. Corals are formed deep under the sea by the deposition of
the skeletons of certain polyps and marine invertebrates. In the natural state,
corals have a tree-like appearance that facilitates nutrients for maximum
number of polyps. Millions of polyps build their skeletons on the abandoned
remains of other polyps and that creates a massive carpet of coral reefs on the
ocean floor. A distinctive feature of the precious corals is that they take a
perfect polish.
Pink corals reigned fashion vogues
Historically, Naples was the centre of
fashioning of coral into lovely jewelry. All the varieties of coral were
immensely popular during the Victorian era but later during the Napoleon's
campaign the pink variety was most adored and thus earned its prominence over
others. The rose pink variety was fashioned into flowers - roses, chrysanthemums,
cherubs, grotesque masks, leaves and fruits. A popular theme during the time
was hand, in various styles - forming clasps with golden rings on the fingers
and decoration on cuffs, or sometimes grasping a loop with various carved coral
charms attached.
Later
though coral lost its prominence during the end of the nineteenth century due
to excessive use by people, it reappeared as a complement to the geometric
forms in jewelry design towards the early twentieth century and gradually
regained its fame. These days pink coral comes to be
one of the most popular media for superior jewelry - it's often produced in
rings, necklaces, earrings, brooches, pendants and even belt buckles and
pillboxes.
Caring chores for pink corals
Coral measures a meager 3.5 in Mohs
scale and as a gem it's softer than others. So, you've got to be very conscious
to handle this delicate stone made of Calcium Carbonate. Pink corals, as well,
are pretty prone to scratches and thus only use soft moist cloth to clean it.
But never dare to wash it by dipping it in to water. Corals are porous stones and thus get damaged
if put in chemicals or in water for long period and lose its natural patina.
Mind the following things while handling pink corals or jewelry made of them:
- Store pink coral jewelry in pouches.
This will save your precious gem from scratches.
- When wearing pink or any other coral
jewelry, it'd be better if you can avoid using strong sprays or cosmetics as
these may damage the luster of coral.
- If you lose a coral piece from your
jewelry, it's wise that you fix that as soon as possible.
- And whenever you need to restring your
coral necklace, prefer a professional jeweler.
These tips won't just serve your pink
coral jewelry, they will equally take care any of your coral jewelry. It's
crucial that you be pretty caring about your coral jewelry and pieces as corals
are becoming less available as their natural habitats are increasingly dying
out. Pollution, rapid warming of the ocean water, vicious fishing method,
harmful bacteria ...... these all have their roles to injure the coral reefs and due
to the enormous global demand, the underwater stocks are declining pretty fast.
Tamjeed
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