Collect Vintage Coral Jewelry for Style and Investment!

Coral Jewelry is one of the hottest collectable jewelry materials today.  Its beauty is unmatched and the supply is dwindling.  Scientists have predicted that over 50% of the world's coral reefs may be destroyed by environmental changes by 2030.  Many governments prohibit the removal of coral so the vintage coral jewelry that is available is just getting more and more valuable. 

Coral is not a gemstone.  It is actually calcified skeletons of sea creatures that grow in formations that look like the branches of a tree.  Coral was thought to be a plant until the 18th century.

Most coral is found in the Mediterranean Sea or near Japan and Taiwan buy it is also found off Washington State and the Alaskan coasts.

Coral occurs in white, red, pink and black so it was very popular for jewelry design.  It was thought to be a powerful talisman to stop bleeding, provide protection from evil spirits and even to ward off hurricanes!  Today, chemical compounds taken from corals are used in medication for cancer, aids, pain management and bone grafting.

The most highly collectable coral jewelry is Victorian through the 50s when there were no limits imposed on harvesting.  Bright red corals were popular in the 40s and 50s while the pink and white were more popular in the 30s.  All coral jewelry is collectable today but the full branch coral is the most valuable.  Recently, a triple strand red branch coral necklace sold at auction for close to $500!

www.vintagecouturejewelry.com will be featuring a wonderful collection of vintage coral jewelry just in time for great summer fashions.  Don't forget to check it out.

Happy Spring
from Patra B!


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