Classic Jewelry

Genuine gemstones, wire wrapped to solid stainless steel necklaces, Great affordable gift idea.

Art Nouveau Brooch

For anyone interested in antique jewelry:

This one is a handmade art nouveau style brooch (made somewhere around 1905 give or take a couple of years).

It is made in a simple wire design (9ct gold) and set with two garnet topped doublets as flowers.

The garnet topped doublet was popular in the 18th and 19th century and used in Victorian and Edwardian jewelry.  Once it was discovered that glass fuses easily with garnet, this technique was used to imitate ruby, sapphire, emerald and other colored gemstones. The top, (crown) was garnet, the bottom (pavilion) was green, blue, or red glass, an optical illusion, only the color of the bottom layer shows- the garnet provides no color, but since garnet is much harder than glass, these composite stones last much longer compared to simple paste (glass).

Coral - Colors, Facts and Lore

Facts about Coral
Coral is more popular than ever for jewellery, despite trade and harvesting regulations related to the importance of this creature to the ecosystems of the world. Here is some information about coral, including a description of different colours, coral care, and some coral lore.
 

Basic Coral Facts

Coral is an organic gemstone derived from the skeletons of a marine animal related to jellyfish and anemones. Coral polyps live in colonies and some types of coral form reefs, which are home to approximately 25% of the species in the ocean. Coral is composed primarily of calcium carbonate and gets it colour from natural pigments such as carotene. Coral is not used fresh from the ocean, but goes through a series of processing steps before it is used for jewellery. These steps may include chemical treatment, tumbling, heating, sawing, and polishing.

Colors of Coral

In addition to coral substitutes, which include plastic, glass, and seashell, genuine coral is often dyed to resemble a more rare or desired variety. However, natural coral that is suitable for jewelry is found in many colors:

Black Coral

Antipathes grandis
Black coral is rare. When it has been polished it shines with an incredible luster. Some black coral may be coral in an early stage of decay, since it is found just below the water's surface. However, Hawaiian black coral is found at depths exceeding 200 feet! A colony of Hawaiian black coral requires 50 years to mature.

Blue Coral

Allopora subviolacea, Allopora akori
Blue coral is found near the water's surface and is believed to be coral in an early state of decay.

Golden Coral

Golden coral is found off of Hawaii. It has a resinous or lacquered appearance.

Pink Coral

Corrallium secundumPink coral is very dense and relatively hard. Its colour runs the entire spectrum of pinks, from almost white to pink to nearly red. Natural marbling and colour gradations in larger pink corals are natural qualities of the gem. All shades of pink coral are highly prized. Pink coral is sometimes called angel skin coral.

Red Coral

Corallium japonicum, Corallium rubrum, Corallium nobileRed coral is highly valued for its hardness, beauty, and colour. Red coral is found in several places, including the sandy bottom of the Mediterranean, around the Hawaiian Islands, and off the coast of Africa. Hawaiian red coral is found at ocean depths of 500-1,000 feet. Red coral only grows about 1/4 inch per year!
   

The primary colors of precious coral are red (Sardinian), dark purplish oxblood red, salmon (peach), pink, angelskin, white and blush. SOLID salmon or dark peachy pink is Sciacca, and SOLID pink is angelskin. This last one deviates from the origin of the name angelskin, which refers to the more white colour with a uniform pink hue. These SOLID colors (Sardinian, Sciacca, Angelskin) along with SOLID white (Ionian Sea and VERY, VERY rare as the lack of light to achieve pigmentation is only found at extreme depths) are the most precious and valuable corals in the world. Blush and other variations can also be precious coral (primarily if they are Mediterranean), although not quite as valuable as solid colors, but still investment grade, durable and beautiful.

The photo shows, from left to right, white, pink, salmon and oxblood coral, plus an angel skin coral cameo (framed by tiny natural pearls).

Caring for Coral

Coral is a very soft gemstone, so it needs to be treated gently. Clean coral jewellery by wiping it gently with a moist soft cloth. Because it is naturally porous, coral can be damaged by exposure to chemicals such as perfumes and hair styling aids. When not being worn, coral should be stored carefully to avoid scratches. If your Coral starts to get dry or as a prevention, wipe with baby oil once a year. Let it soak in for a day and wipe all residue off.

Coral Lore

Many myths and legends surround coral. Coral artifacts have been found from as long ago as 10,000 B.C. Many special properties are attributed to it:
Coral is one of the seven treasures listed in Buddhist scriptures.
Coral was thought to be able to calm the sea.
Coral was believed to protect from lightning and hurricanes.
Coral was worn as a talisman to stop bleeding.
If the wearer of coral became seriously ill, it was believed the coral would lose its colour.
Ancient Romans would put coral around the necks of their children to protect them from harm.
Pulverized coral added to wine was believed to be a potent curative tonic (Ancient Rome).
In Medieval times, coral was used to ward off the evil eye and to cure sterility.
Italian men once presented coral as an engagement gift.

Source: Facts about Coral, Wedunit Jewels