It has always been believed that coral possesses magical and portentous qualities; it is said to guard against demons, negative influences, and especially envy.

That is why in Italy during the 15th century, the coral necklace was an indispensable element in the trousseaux of young brides of any social class, as well as the first piece of jewelry given to newborns in the form of a pendant to be attached to cradles, a bracelet or a necklace.

In the eighteenth century in Naples and Torre del Greco the first coral crafting “industries” were born; wonderful objects that included not only jewelry but also statuettes and the very famous good luck “cornets.”

Genoa, too, was until the early twentieth century home to master coral craftsmen; they specialized in engraving, creating fantastic cameos, flowers, landscapes, and rosaries that, framed in filigree, were in demand all over the world.


Coral colors range from white to pale pink -c.d. angel skin- to dark red and black
. Dark red is the most valuable variety, also known as dark red.

Red coral is found in our Mediterranean Sea, with light shades in the southern Mediterranean and dark red in Sardinia and a few locations in the northern Mediterranean. One of the places where there is a long tradition of coral fishing and processing is Sciacca, Sicily.

Coral is also a precious stone because it is now quite difficult to find due to water pollution, which makes the natural formation process difficult. But not only that, coral fishing is entrusted to a few experienced and qualified fishermen. You have to think that good coral can be found 90/120 meters deep in the sea. In Sardinia, for example, only naturally fallen coral branches can be collected.

For this very reason, if you own old coral jewelry of any color, cherish it!
Authentic Mediterranean coral (unfortunately, there are many imitations made from glass, or objects made from “coral paste,” beautiful yes, however, it is not coral) has reached – precisely because of its rarity – incredible prices.

If you have coral necklaces maybe belonged to grandmother, take them to re-wire in a trusted jewelry store; if they were short, you can stretch them perhaps with silver or gold spheres or rhombuses, small pearls, or other material whose color matches well: a coral necklace, even with tiny spheres, is always refined and elegant, worn especially in summer on tanned skin.

Same for rings or earrings; if they are mounted in silver or gold, and perhaps forgotten in the back of a drawer, and have become dull and dark, always have the jeweler clean them the first time. If the mount is not to your liking, have the coral bead (or oval, or cameo) detached, and remounted.

Cleaning and Care

Coral, like pearls, is a “living” element and therefore should be treated gently.
It should never be exposed to sources of excessive heat, as it will change color and fade.
One should never spray perfume on it, for it becomes dull and stains.
To clean it, if it is very dirty and dulled due to old age, as I have already said, it is best to have it cleaned for the first time by the jeweler who will use products that are perfect but that you have to know how to use; a small expense that is worth the value of the jewelry, however.
Other times, simply wipe the jewelry with a very soft cotton cloth.
Some people, once a year, soak it in sea water for a few minutes; then rinse it in fresh water, drying it perfectly with the soft cloth.

Coral things, like pearls, also get scratched when they come in contact with stones or hard metals; necklaces, rings and earrings should therefore be stored on their own in small padded boxes or packed in soft pieces of cloth (velvet or chamois leather cloths are fine).

Source: http: ©Mitì Vigliero