Use the Incredible Variety of Coral Beads to create unique jewelry
From tropical seas around the world come some of the most gorgeous natural material beads on the globe. Since ancient times, coral beads have been treasured for their beauty and mystical properties of protection.
The deep red, soft pink or rich orange tones of natural coral beads have made these beautiful beads a treasured part of adornments from Tibet through Europe to the desert of the American Southwest for millennia.
Coral was at its most popular during Victorian times when even infants were decked with delicate coral bead necklaces.
This natural gemstone was believed to have protective qualities that warded off sickness and evil, so it was particularly helpful for small children. Much of the folklore around various gemstones has passed out of popular culture, but the attraction to these beautiful materials remains.
Today, coral beads can be found in almost every color. The deep red and orange coral that has been used for centuries is now highly protected, and other species of coral are increasingly harvested and turned into beads and jewelry.
Antique red coral beads are highly collectible, and the price has risen with the increased age and desirability of these beautiful beads. Victorian beaded necklaces and complex Middle Eastern silver and coral adornments are highly sought after.
Modern coral beads provide a more ecologically friendly choice than the rare Mediterranean reef corals. Some of these corals are naturally white in color, and modern dying techniques are used to produce beads in a wide range of colors using white coral. Naturally occurring corals may be red, black, white or even blue, but colors from green to purple can be produced with dyes.
Coral can be shaped into many different styles of beads. One of the most popular forms is branch coral, especially popular in Victorian times and into the first decades of the 20th century. These beads resemble little twigs and have naturalistic shapes.
Antique necklaces have natural red, pink or white coral, while new branch coral beads can be found in any color. Traditional Round Beads are probably the most common, but with the advent of the popularity of beaded jewelry, a vast range of shapes is available.
Coin shapes, rectangles, rondelles and elongated ovals are all coral bead shapes that can be readily found. Coral is relatively hard for a natural material and is thus easily shaped by hand or machine.
Fossil coral beads are an excellent choice for ecologically conscious beaders. Rather than harvesting growing corals, fossil coral is thousands or even millions of years old. Some are made from colonial coral rather than single-growing coral, and the individual coral compartments are readily seen in the fossilized stone. These have beautiful patterns and make fascinating jewelry.
Fossil coral is usually a rich beige in color with tinges of soft variations in color. There are also dyed versions of fossil coral in various tones of deep reds.
In addition to fossil coral beads, commonly found corals used include bamboo coral, sponge coral and angel skin coral. Many of these corals show the intriguing patterns formed when the coral grows. Even faux coral beads are popular and might be made of glass, lucite or other man-made materials.
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Beaded Jewelry Making : Using Red Coral Beads