Red coral gemstone in cabochon cut and a raw coral gemstone

Coral

Love & fellowship

Coral is one of the sea's precious treasures and consists of the skeleton of small coral polyps. Its natural surface is matte, but it can be polished into the most beautiful gemstones with a glassy shine. Read on and learn more about the beautiful Coral.

Heart pendant for necklaces with a pink, heart-shaped momo coral gemstone with a diamond in the bail in 10-karat gold from Carré Jewellery on a model

SYMBOLISM

Coral symbolizes community, protection, love, and balance. The fine red coral is often associated with love, but it is equally a gemstone that inspires creativity and imagination. Coral is said to support communities, making it an excellent gemstone for those who wish to form bonds and strengthen their friendships. Some also believe that coral has a protective quality that is especially beneficial for women and children.

Learn more about symbolism in our extensive gemstone encyclopedia

18-karat gold jewelry from Carré Jewellery with genuine orange coral gemstones

HISTORY

The red coral has been used as decoration for thousands of years. Fine jewellery set with coral was especially popular in the Victorian era. Here, small children from wealthy families also received teething rings carved from beautiful coral as gifts.

Small heart pendant on a necklace with a heart-shaped red coral gemstone and a diamond in the bail from Carré Jewellery in 10-karat gold

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR JEWELRY WITH CORAL

Jewellery with Coral can easily be kept beautiful for many years with the right care. We always recommend that you take off your jewellery when performing physical activities, such as sports, cleaning, and gardening, as well as when you sleep, bathe, or swim.

The coral must not be exposed to chemicals, as this can damage the stone's colour and composition. Clean your coral jewellery with lukewarm water and a mild soap and a soft cloth. Wipe the jewellery immediately after cleaning it. We do not recommend using ultrasonic cleaning on coral jewellery.

Remember, you can always have your Carré jewellery professionally cleaned at our store in Copenhagen.

Two heart pendants for necklaces with heart-shaped red and pink Coral gemstones in 10-karat gold with small diamonds in the bail on one model

THE WEDDING DAY & CORAL

Many gemstones are associated with a special anniversary. Jewellery with Coral is traditionally given as a gift on the 35th wedding anniversary. The symbolism of coral with love and togetherness also makes jewellery with Coral an obvious gift for a 35th wedding anniversary.

Find the gift for your wedding anniversary here

Two necklaces with orange coral gemstones, turquoise, and diamonds in 18-carat gold from Carré Jewellery

THE GEMMOLOGY OF CORAL

Coral stems consist of calcium and horn material, formed by colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps. Each polyp sits in its own hole in the coral and is connected by their shared skin that envelops the coral. The coral used as a gemstone is the skeleton left behind by the coral polyp colony. It is typically found in fine colors of black, blue, red, yellow, and white. Coral is found in warm seas, and especially Italy has a large coral industry.

Coveted corals are also found in the seas around Japan, Australia, Africa, Malaysia, and Hawaii. Coral is rated 3-4 on the Mohs hardness scale.

image of a round freshwater pearl and an oyster shell on an invisible background

PEARL

Honesty & integrity

Image of an oval-cut pink opal and a raw pink opal gemstone on an invisible background

OPAL

Creativity, love & freedom

Image of a cabochon-cut moonstone and a raw moonstone gemstone on an invisible background

BIRTHSTONE

Motherhood & care

Image of a faceted prasiolite and a raw prasiolite gemstone on an invisible background

PRASIOLITE

Intuition, drive & growth