Coral and pearl, although drastically different in appearance, are actually closely related to each other. Just like pearls, corals are also products of the water. They are the products of tiny living beings found in the depths of the ocean. Corals are calcareous, skeleton-like deposit of the coral polyp. The polyps, surrounded by a fleshy skin, excrete a carbonic substance from which the corals grow, like trees and branches. Corals grow on rocky sea bottom with low sedimentation, and in dark environments.

Traditionally corals are thought of as red being their typical color. The color of coral however depends on the depth at which it is found. The best-colored corals are found between depths of 100 and 160 feet. Other than red, Corals are found in a wide range of hues from pink, white, yellow, ochre, cream, chocolate, blue and even black, which are becoming increasingly popular.

Coral is among the most ancient of gemstones, used for adornment since pre-historic times. Most coral used in jewelry are found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific Ocean. The Italian Coral is particularly famous and widely admired. It is basically cut into beads and attached with gold and silver in jewelry. They are also versatile enough to be carved and made into ornamental objects.

Unprocessed, corals are a little dull and do have blotches. They need to be processed and polished to make it shine and blemish free. Corals of high quality are of an even color and free of cracks and blotches. But these are rare.

Coral is used extensively in jewelry today. It is believed that the presence of coral in a piece of jewelry imparts to it a certain vibrancy which is in turn transferred to the wearer of the gem.

Coral Trivia

• It was believed that Poseidon the Greek Sea God resided in a palace made of coral and other gems.
   
• The Romans believed coral could protect children from harm, as well as cure wounds.
   
• Coral jewelry has been found in ancient Egyptian and prehistoric European burials.