Gemstone Enhancements "What You Should Know".

An organic gem from the sea, coral wasbelieved to bestow wisdom, protectfrom evil, heal wounds, and calm the soul.C o r a l. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Coral is among the most ancient of gem materials, used foradornment since prehistoric times. Coral inlays and ornamentshave been found in Celtic tombs from the Iron Age.An organic gem from the sea, coral was believed to bestow wisdom,protect from evil, heal wounds, and calm the soul. A semi-translucentto opaque gem, coral is formed from a colony of marine invertebratesand primarily made of calcium carbonate.White is the most common color in coral, but a variety of other shadescan be found, including pink, orange, red, and black. The rarest coloris a deep red.Coral is commonly enhanced to improve its color and durability. Whitecoral is bleached. Pink coral is permeated with a colorless wax andorange coral is stabilized with plastic. Black coral is sometimes bleachedto create gold coral. Occasionally, red coral is dyed to deepen or uniformits color. All commonly used forms of coral enhancement are stable.Special care is required for coral regardless of whether or not it is enhanced.A soft and porous gem, coral scratches and abrades easily and chlorine,alcohol, ammonia, nail polish remover, and other chemicals can damageit. Remove coral rings when washing and moisturizing your hands.Avoid exposing your coral to extreme temperatures. Your jeweler will tellyou how to best care for coral.A M E R I C A N G E M T R A D E A S S O C I A T I O N