Red Coral Mediterranean Jewelry: What You Need To Know About This Age-Old Precious Gemstone

Red Coral Mediterranean Jewelry has a very unique beauty that is extremely eye-catching. However, it often overlooked by high-end jewelry buyers. We are here to explain to you why red coral jewelry deserves way more attention. Read below to learn all about red coral (aka precious coral) jewelry so that you can make a statement that is not only fashionable, but mystical and full of tradition as well.

WHAT IS RED CORAL JEWELRY?

Red coral, or precious coral, is a type of coral species mainly found in the Mediterranean Sea. It is typically the only kind of coral high-end jewelry makers use, as it is durable and the color is intense. It is an opaque gemstone that ranges from a stunning blood red to pinkish orange. 

Fun fact: For those who don’t know, coral is a type of marine invertebrate that live in compact colonies of countless identical single polyps (reefs). That means with red coral gemstone jewelry, you are wearing an animal’s skeleton! And this animal’s skeleton is a highly valuable asset…

WHERE IS RED CORAL FOUND?

Red coral grows in rocky sea-bottoms that have minimal sedimentation. The environments are dark, such as the depth of the sea or a cavern or crevice. They can be found 10 meters to 300 meters below sea level. However, much of the red coral in shallow waters has been depleted due to harvesting for jewelry. 

What’s very interesting is just how old red coral is. Sizable reefs of red coral take over 100,000 years to form.

As for which seas, the Mediterranean Sea is the most famous source of red coral, which is why it is synonymous with “Mediterranean Jewelry”. However, red coral also grows in the Pacific Ocean (i.e. Japan and China).

The majority of the highest calibre red coral gemstone on the market is harvested in Italy and Tunisia (the Mediterranean Sea). Whereas, China and Japan’s red coral is generally lower quality in contrast. These days, high quality coral is becoming rarer and rarer. 

Other nations that produce red coral:

• Sri Lanka
• Burma
• India
• Pakistan
• Australia
• Malaysia
• Algeria
• Spain
• France
• Afghanistan
• South Africa
• America
• Brazil

Note: Sri Lanka is also known for their exquisitely high-quality red coral, so it’s not just Italy and Tunisia that get all the love. 

The red coral jewelry you see here from Diamonds By Raymond Lee and Raymond Lee Jewelers in Boca Raton is Mediterranean Red Coral, so it is of higher value.

RED CORAL GEMSTONE PRICE

Like aquamarine and turquoise gemstones, coral is a gemstone that specifies a specific color. While coral occurs naturally in various colors, the gemstone refer to a beautiful red to pink-orange color. It is known as precious coral or red coral. Red coral is essentially the only type of coral for jewelry and it is the most sought after. Moreover, it is the only color of coral considered to be a “gemstone”. 

With that understanding, the value of red coral doesn’t not apply to all types of coral. Yet, some other types of coral are also very valuable. Today, we are just looking at red coral gemstones.

Red coral’s current value is about $1,000+ per gram. However, it depends on the quality. $1,000~ is virtually the average. 

Interestingly, the value of red coral has significantly increased over the years. In 2010, the value of red coral was around $250 per gram. Part of the reason for it sky-rocketing in value is the immense growth of demand in China. 

All in all, red coral jewelry has proven to be not only a great emotional and sentimental investment, but also an actual financial investment. The resale value is strong with red coral jewelry that has been kept in good condition. 

HARDNESS OF RED CORAL

Comparing with many other gemstones, red coral is by no means very “durable”. However, it is far more durable than most types of coral and it is durable enough for use in jewelry, especially with the way it is cut. Durability is an important factor for what makes a mineral or organic material a gemstone. It’s not just beauty and rarity. 

Like other organic gemstones (i.e. pearls), coral has a 3-4 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means red coral gemstones may scratch, damage, or fracture. Therefore, you should take a bit more care with red coral jewelry so that it can last a very long time. 

Note: For reference, a copper penny has about a 3.5, and diamonds are a 10, sapphires and rubies are 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. 

Now, the way red coral is cut helps the durability cause. The vast majority of red coral gemstones have a cabochon-cut. It would be extremely rare to see a faceted red coral, as it is a soft gemstone that does not withstand cutting super well. Moreover, it is an opaque stone so creating facets would not make it brilliant, it would simply remove more coral. The same is true for opals. 

The cabochon-cut is a method of cutting gemstones. It creates a convex, rounded surface that is polished. The back of a cabochon cut is usually flat. This kind of cut for softer, opaque gemstones not only enhances the beauty of the color and the gemstone as a whole, but it also increases durability. So, this kind of shape makes it much harder to chip or break. 

Red coral is popular for sculptures as well. It is often carved into intricate designs and cameos. 

There is something so very appealing about red coral. It has a silky beautiful look that you just want to reach out and touch, similar to jade.

HISTORY OF RED CORAL JEWELRY

Because of the beautiful nature of red coral, the ability to easily shape and carve it, and its durability (it’s much more durable comparing to other coral), red coral has always been a popular gemstone for jewelry in both Eastern and Western cultures. This goes back since its discovery since, which is at least 5th century BC. 

As with all precious gemstones that have been sought after since the ancient times, a lot of lore and symbolism follows red coral. This meaning and tradition behind red coral is actually an important aspect of its popularity and intrigue. So, let’s talk about the red coral gemstone’s “mystical prosperities” and “benefits”. 

Traditions & Symbolism of Red Coral in the East and the West

Red coral is a gemstone that was especially close to the hearts of cultures and religions like Hinduism, Ancient Greeks, Ancient Romans, Ancient Gauls, and Ancient Egyptians. 

All of these cultures and religions associate red coral with the planet Mars. Mars is “Mangal” in Hindi, which is why red coral is also known as a Mangal (or Moonga) stone.

With that, much of the stone’s metaphysical, mystical and mysterious properties derive from this connection. 

Red coral is believed to be a protective stone that can give physical benefits like increased sexual desire and appeal, enhanced bone strength, increased physical strength, healing and minimizing risk of disease and blood disorders, and even preventing miscarriage. 

Ancient cultures would report that red coral was the cause of cures for things like ulcers, fevers, smallpox, typhus, rickets, and hemorrhoids. 

What’s more, it wasn’t just thought to be protective physically, but spiritually as well. Ancient cultures wore red coral to protect themselves from negativity, bad intentions, and evil spirits. Some cultures of the modern day still wear red coral for this reason. 

The list of ways for how red coral could protect someone goes on and on, depending on the time, location and culture. 

On top of all that, there are psychological benefits that people still associate with red coral jewlery. Most of these benefits relate to helping the wearer get ahead in life. This includes courage, fortitude, vigor, zealousness, determination, and self-confidence. Many people believe red coral jewelry can bring about peace, relaxation and positive transformation. Red coral jewelry can help you free yourself and move forward, providing a sense of calm, evocative of the sea from where it originates. 

WHO IS RED CORAL JEWELRY GOOD FOR ACCORDING TO TRADITION

If any of the above psychological or physiological benefits of coral speak to you, then red coral jewelry is perfect for you. 

i.e. Jobs that need physical strength: Police Officers, Soldiers, and Athletes.

i.e. Jobs that require immense self-confidence and leadership: Entertainers, Politicians, Entrepreneurs.

i.e. People who are worried about their health (hypochondriacs for a lack of a better term). 

For those who aren’t superstitious or spiritual, if you love a beautiful organic gemstone that creates a powerfully raw and stunning look, then you will love red coral gemstone. 

TYPES OF RED CORAL JEWELRY

While red coral is by no means the most expensive of gemstones, it is not something you see with inexpensive casual jewelry. You will find that most Mediterranean red coral jewelry is on par with the all of the best high-end gemstone jewelry, both in price and beauty. The materials (i.e. precious metals and other gemstones), craftsmanship, and unique designs all increase the value of the final product at retail and resale. 

Red coral jewelry will pop in a breathtaking way with any outfit, whether that be casual or formal. The red gemstone has a distinct quality that draws a lot of attention to it. 

The most common types of red coral jewelry are necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Coral necklaces have been around for nearly as long as jewelry itself. 

In the modern times, red coral rings have become a favorite. With rings, it’s not just those around you who can enjoy the red coral’s beauty, but you can too! Considering the mystical powers of red coral, you can see why a ring would be even more attractive. 

All of the red coral jewelry you see in this post is available for sale at Diamonds By Raymond Lee in Boca Raton. 

The featured ring is an 18k yellow gold Mediterranean coral flower ring with round brilliant diamonds

18k Yellow Gold 0.92ctw Diamond Mediterranean Coral Pompom Earrings

Here’s a set of stunning pompom style red coral earrings. These red corals are top of the line, as you can see by their blood red color. These red coral earrings are a clear winner for any special occasion. 

18k Yellow Gold 1.61ct Sapphire Mediterranean Coral Ring With Diamonds

This ring has a very vintage look to it. The large cabochon cut red coral surrounds itself with round brilliant diamonds and blue sapphires. The ring itself is is 18K yellow gold. This ring is a prime example of how red coral pairs with the most precious of materials. 

18k Yellow Gold Diamond Triple Strand Coral Necklace

This necklace is a statement piece through and through. It features a triple coral bead strange with a tear drop coral pendant. It also has 4.5 carats of round brilliant diamonds set into yellow gold along the beads and above the pendant. This is a breathtaking necklace that will set you above and beyond the rest at a cocktail party or any formal gathering. 

HOW TO WEAR PRECIOUS CORAL JEWELRY?

For a formal and dress occasion, consider the three options above. A set of pompom red coral earrings or dangle coral earrings and a cocktail ring with red coral is a great choice. You can also find gorgeous statement necklaces of precious coral from the Mediterranean Sea.

For casual settings, red coral beaded bracelets and necklaces are perfect, as are coral pendants, coral studs, and more minimalist style coral rings. 

All in all, it depends on your personal taste. There are minimalist and maximalist red coral Mediterranean jewelry options that will meet anyone’s demands. 

WHERE TO BUY RED CORAL MEDITERRANEAN JEWELRY IN BOCA RATON

At Diamonds By Raymond Lee and Raymond Lee Jewelers in Boca Raton, we have an array of high quality red coral jewelry. We guarantee the best prices in the market. You can come in and try them on and ask any questions. You can also shop with us online.

Shop Red Coral Mediterranean Jewelry at Diamonds By Raymond Lee

Shop Red Coral Mediterranean Jewelry at Raymond Lee Jewelers