Coral A Mineral or Sea Creature

Coral is not a mineral, but the skeleton of sea creatures, thus the organic origin. Developed over many thousands of years, it consists almost entirely of calcium. Coral reefs comprise colonies of marine animals called coral polyps, which form branching structures as they grown. Coral is the skeletal material generated by these sea-dwelling coral polyps. For most corals, this material is calcium carbonate, but in the case of black or golden corals, it is a horn-like substance called conchiolin. Coral has a dull luster when recovered, but can take a bright polish. It is sensitive to even mild acids, and can become dull with extensive wear. Red and pink precious corals are round in the warm seas around Japan and Malaysia, in the Mediterranean, and in African coastal waters. Black coral comes from the West Indies, Australia, and around the Pacific Islands.

Coral is used in carvings and beads, and cut as cabochons for use in jewelry. Red coral appears as an ornament in Western European shields and helmets in the Iron Age, later to be replaced by red enamel. Fossilized coral provides unusual and interesting material in beads, cabochons and pendants. According to Greek legend, coral came from the drops of blood shed when Perseus cut off the head of Medusa. In Classical antiquity, coral was believed to be a protection against the evil eye, and was worn as an amulet. As a medication, it was believed to stop bleeding. In the 18th century, precious coral was widely used as an inlay in Japanese ornamental netsukes. It has been a favorite of Chinese carvers for at least woo millennia.

Red coral is associated with Scorpio, black coral with Capricorn, and pink with Taurus. Coral is cleansed by being left overnight in salt water once a month. It can also be placed dry in sea salt. Coral symbolizes joy and happiness, diplomacy, quieting emotions, and visualization. It enables the wearer to enjoy life. According to legend, it consists of divine blood.


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Research from mineral and crystal books and websites.

Mass Coil Links Go Simple

Yet another re-design for the studio; this particular piece started out with a mass of all coil links in black and brass and then I added charmed Sardonyx Agates. It got lots of attention and a few people even tried it on, but at over 24” and all the coil links it never really found a home.









So, back to the board with this one and pulled it apart; the black coil links and Sardonyx Agates were kept and met with faceted black Onyx and white glass beads. And I had two links left over to make dangle charmed earrings to match! It’s much shorter than the original and I still have the brass coil links and have another design in mind…so stay tuned!

Agates: Balancing physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies; perceptiveness, strength, inspiration, awakening talents.
Onyx: Self-control, decision making, intuition, recognition of personal strengths.

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Redesign of Simple to Non-Symmetrical Hit

This design was originally very simple and just had the white Magnesite and Bronzite. It got some attention, but didn't really have any life or color or that right ‘pop’; so it finally got a new look and this time, it hit the mark.

Shades of brown, turquoise, white and a hint of gold, all rolled into this non-symmetrical design. A crescent Turquoise pendant and pillow teardrops have a brown matrix is the start, surrounded by Bronzite coins, goldtone caged white Magnesite nuggets with a deep brown matrix Magnesite and all accented with light gold glass seed beads. It’s meant to be worn long or short using the extender and a matching pair of earrings in Bronzite, Magnesite and Turquoise complete the look.

Bronzite: Inner peace, removes stress, protects against depressive moods, inspires courtesy, courage, acceptance and assistance.
Magnesite: Awakens the higher sensibilities, opening to inner vision, truth and bliss, listening to the heart.
Turquoise: Spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity.

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