Coral Jewelry
Coral gems are softer than most other gemstones and can be easily shaped in to beads, center stones and other small shapes. It is seen in different types of jewelry that requires intricate sculpting such as inlay jewelry. Small samples of the gem can run up to $1000 per 1 mm diameter for some of the rare forms to about $5 at the low end. The market for coral is doing very well but the supply is slowly depleting which makes the prices for this precious gem continue to rise. Origins of Coral Coral is considered an organic gemstone stone because it originates from the hardened tissue of a Coral Polyp. Corals are marine animals which are found in tropical oceans, they are an important in the support and creation of ocean reefs. Corals produce a hard skeleton made from calcium carbonate secretions. This hardened skeleton is what is collected and used to form the gemstone.Though Coral is found in many different colors it has become difficult collect many of the varieties due to the diminishing populations of coral. Coral reefs have become an endangered ecosystem and are strictly regulated. Some types of coral have been brought inland for farming and commercial use. One of the most modern and now commonly seen today is Chinese white coral which is stained red for a more natural look. This processed coral is shipped all over the world for jewel crafting and other arts. Native American Coral Jewelry Native Americans prefer to use red corals in their jewelry which are rare. Because natural red coral is becoming so scarce, some of the dyed processed gem is used to give that deep red look. One of the most valuable red versions is Oxblood Coral which is farmed in the Mediterranean. The pairing of its natural deep red color in contrast with a well selected turquoise stone can remarkably excaudate the blues and greens making it one of the most desired Native American styles.
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Coral jewelry has been found in many different cultures around the world. It comes in many different beautiful colors from black to white and from blue to red. Coral jewelry has a history of being strongly connecting with religious and spiritual meanings in the Italian, Chinese and Celtic cultures, it is also one treasure in the Buddhist scriptures. The southwestern Native American tribes quickly acknowledged the value of this jewel. 
