Gioielli di corallo rosa di Rajola indossati dalla modella Federica Calemme
Gioielli di corallo rosa di Rajola indossati dalla modella Federica Calemme

How to clean and polish the coral

How to clean, store and polish your coral jewelry. Here are some useful tips for those who want a brilliant coral ♦ ︎

Coral jewels are very beautiful and are often worn especially in summer (but not only): a coral necklace is perfect with a light dress and, perhaps, on tanned skin. But how do you clean coral jewelry? And how can you keep rings, necklaces and earrings made with coral? Here are some useful tips for cleaning and storing your coral jewelry.

Collana in corallo e oro indossata
Caterina Murino, coral and gold necklace worn

The coral. Before discovering how to clean and preserve coral, it is good to make a premise. Coral is commonly regarded as a simple material, like a stone. But this is not the case: the coral is made up of thousands of tiny organisms a few identical millimeters large, genetically called polyps (obviously not polyps with tentacles and suckers): their calcium carbonate secretions form the solid structure that develops the branches. coral. In short, it must be understood that coral is unique and also very delicate. Like pearls, for example, coral should be worn often.

Salvatore Collaro, anello in oro bianco, diamanti e corallo rosso
Salvatore Collaro, ring in white gold, diamonds and red coral

Opaque coral. With the passing of time often the coral can become opaque. The brilliance of the newly purchased jewel disappears and remains a reflexless surface. This is because the superficial coral polishing, obtained during the workmanship of the craftsman who made the jewel, has been eliminated from everyday use. To ruin the coral are, in particular, sweat, skin acidity and cosmetic substances. So if you want to wear a coral necklace keep it away from body creams, perfumes and deodorants. Another tip: Avoid keeping the coral in sunlight, too high temperature can ruin it. Better keep the coral jewel in a drawer, indoors.

Tiara di Cartier in corallo, diamanti, perle. Venduta per 775.000 dollari
Cartier tiara in coral, diamonds, pearls

Methods of cleaning. Coral is a delicate material and should be handled with care. One of the methods to clean the coral is to immerse it in a basin of water, where a few drops of detergent have been dissolved. Some recommend ammonia, but it must be used with caution because it can ruin the jewel. After bathing the coral for about half an hour, you can pass a cloth or use a cotton swab to remove any dirt that has softened with washing.

corallo della sardegna Green Beryl of over 20 carats diamanti
Assael, bracelet with Sardinian coral, diamonds and a 20-carat green beryl

How to polish the coral. If the coral is very damaged, polishing is the same as that of origin, it is best to turn to an orefice. Another less risky method is to use simple olive oil: pour a few drops on a soft cloth and pass the fabric over the coral. To prevent it from becoming opaque, twice a year you can rub the coral in a cotton cloth, perhaps soaked with liquid wax, not too vigorously. in the case of a necklace, a good habit is also to change the inner thread to the jewel every two or three years.

Orecchino in oro e corallo
Cartier, gold and coral earring
Choker Danzatori del Crepuscolo, in corallo, con piastre che ricordano disegni rupestri
Choker Twilight Dancers, in coral, with plates that recall rock drawings by Caterina Murino
Anello in oro con corallo rosso
Chantecler, gold ring with red coral and diamonds
Anello in oro, corallo rosa, ametista
Salvatore Collaro, gold ring, pink coral, amethyst
Anello con corallo rosso e tsavoriti
Alex Ball, red coral and tsavorite ring
Bracciale con corallo intrecciato
Eredi Jovon, bracelet with woven coral

6 Comments

    • Ciao, se non sei un esperto, la cosa più semplice per distinguere il vero corallo rosso dalla pasta di corallo è cercare qualche imperfezione. Il corallo naturale ha, come tutte le cose, qualche piccola irregolarità, che lo distingue da quello creato a macchina…

  1. Bonjour svp pour polir le corail brut recueilli de la mer en utilisant le rotary tumbler quel produit q on je dois ajouter pour avoir un bon résultat et avoir du corail prêt à faire des bijoux merci

    • Bonjour Miaoui. Les experts ne recommandent pas de polir les coraux à la maison, mais de faire appel à des laboratoires spécialisés. Vous pouvez toujours essayer d’utiliser une goutte (juste une goutte) d’huile d’olive imbibée de coton. Très doucement …

  2. Hola buenas, tengo un un trozo de coral q me regalo un marinero y me dijo q lo metio en lejia cuando lo obtivo. Es util para algo?
    Gtacias

    • Hola, no se recomienda lejía para limpiar un material tan delicado como el coral. Mejor limpiarlo como se indica en el artículo.

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