Coral
This is a type of jewellery using corals or the calcified skeletons of sea creatures that grow branches like trees. Most corals used in the manufacture of jewellery come from the Mediterranean and Pacific rim countries like China, Japan, the Philippines, and other countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. Its extensive use in jewellery making has caused some environmental concerns, because of the destruction of coral reefs where fish breed and propagate.
Seven strands of coral
Coral stone used in jewellery is very soft compared to other gemstones. Its hardness on a Mohs scale of hardness is only at 3.5 rate, compared to diamond which rate at 10. Therefore, extra care should be taken not to inadvertently scratch a coral jewellery item. On the other hand, corals are also porous. It can potentially absorb liquids such as harmful chemicals and even air moisture that destroys its original beautiful colours.