Japanese Coral: Different Types and Colors

Corals and Colors from Japan

Today we are going to talk about a rather technical topic: the different families of Japanese coral.

How? You people who talk about Made in Italy come and tell me about oriental coral?

And where is the problem? There are two places of origin for jewelry in coral: Italy and Japan.

Both corals are of the highest value and because of their inherent qualities lend themselves to different purposes and a variety of uses in the world of Jewelry.

In this previous post we talked about the differences between red and pink coral

The important thing is to call a spade a spade and give the right information.

So you can understand how much important is the Certificate that every piece of Jewelry should carry.

First point to clarify that seems obvious but is not: Japan and China are two distinct realities that should not be confused!

Instead, it will be a useful opportunity to talk about the characteristics of “Japonicum” coral and discover its merits and features.

Remember, it is always the nature of the coral that asks the artist, the engraver to the one who is going to mount a piece of jewelry how to work the piece and how to make it perform at its best.

Understand well that statements such as “yes I like it but I would like it without impurities (for some people even ‘flaws’) or I like the size of a Japanese coral necklace but I would like it on Italian coral leave the time they find.

It would be more or less like saying, “Leonardo's Mona Lisa is beautiful but she would look better with blond hair and fashionably dressed!” Of Salvador Dali who had the ingenious idea of putting a mustache on her I don't see many around; of people who could make suggestions to Leonardo ... less so!

This, my lords, is cosmetic surgery not true Made in Italy craftsmanship, and statements like this make it clear how much the common man has now surrendered to plastic and photo filters on social photos. Here my polemic stops, but it was necessary to make it and at 80 years old allow me to say what I think is right!

Genuine Beads Bracelet in Red Italian Coral

Genuine Red Italian Coral Bracelet in different beads diameter.

Red Coral Bracelet

The main types and colors of Japanese Coral

Let's start with the 

• Misu or Miss Coral

Originates from areas between Japan Philippines

Fishing depth: 2 to 300 meters 

Color: White to pale pinkish

Use: Suitable for being worked into beads, thus necklaces

• Momo Coral (Cherries)

Origin:Japan Philippines

Fishing depth:2/300 meters

Color: Deep pink to a good point of bright red 

N. B. In its deep pink variant with uniform color (with no white vein showing) is the famous “Angel Skin Coral”

Usage: it is the quintessential carving coral, also widely used for drops and almonds

• Aka Coral (or Moro Japan)

Origin: as its scientific name “Japonicum” says, it comes from Japan

Depth: 2 to 300 meters

Color: bright red to very dark red, which is also why it is called Oxblood

Use: especially spools since with this cut you can “hide” the white vein in the hidden part of the jewel being created.

The white spot (typical of any Japanese coral) will always more or less come to light (turn the piece of coral over in your hands and you will notice)

• Deep Sea Coral

Origin: Hawaiian Islands (again, this is considered Japanese since these islands are located halfway between Japan and California)

Depth: 1000/2000 meters

Color: all shades of pink, in this coral the white vein is particularly visible so it will be very difficult to have an even color within the stone.

Use: it is used to make all kinds of cuts

• Midway Coral

Depth: 300/500 meters

Color: white to pink

Usage: gives a good yield both smooth and etched

I have been very technical but it is our duty as ASSOCORAL members to be precise when we talk we give information to the public.

But you would like to understand when we talk about Japanese coral.

Red Italian Coral Jewelry

Red Italian Coraljewelry in 18 kt Gold or in White Silver 925% - Certificate Included

Red Coral Jewelry

Everything you need to know about Japanese Coral

What you will take home TODAY with this little vademecum: let's summarize the concepts of the post!

• Japanese coral (not Chinese Bamboo) is a gorgeous and valuable coral.
• It usually grows much larger than Italian coral.
• There is not just one: there are several families and different colors
• Japanese coral has shades ranging from white to deep red (Oxblood coral)
• Not all red coral is Italian, all (almost) pink coral is Japanese
• Japanese coral is precious
• Japanese coral is ALWAYS crossed by a white vein
• Japanese coral is fished at great depths
• It is definitely the most suitable for engraving
• Not all pale pink is “angel skin”

I leave you, as usual, with our trademark: the biggest hug in the world

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