A Pink Coral Chip Bracelet or Red Coral Chip Bracelet - Which one is better

Coral is famously recognized as the only organic one among all the gems in the market. It has a separate fan base of its own and is the most sought-after gemstone since the sixteen century. Derived from the branches of an underwater polyp, the coral comes in a variety of colors- from a deep red to a beautiful pink- depending on the polyp they are being mined from. But people get confused about whether to buy a red coral chip or a pink coral chip bracelet. Here are some factors to help you make an easy decision.

How to decide

Take the following factors into consideration

1)      Where are they mined from

Red coral is fished out from the Mediterranean sea and is famously called the Italian coral, whereas Pink coral is found extensively in Japan and parts of Korea. Red corals are fished out from sea beds as deep as 60- 200meters, but pink corals are fished out from even deeper sea beds up to 400 meters.

2)      What causes the difference in color

The difference in color is due to the polyps they form the exoskeleton of and the area they are mined from. For example, red corals are mined in the Mediterranean sea from the Corralium Rubrum species and pink corals are mined from the sea of Japan from the Corralium Elatius species. But the predominant change in color is because of the amount of carotene found in the phytoplankton consumed by the polyps in the ocean.

3)      Difference in texture

Pink corals have a relatively large head with a glassy structure which makes them suitable for engraving. On the other hand, red corals have a more porous structure that does not make them ideal for engraving but for smooth processing. In short, it is easier to make cornicellos and beads with red corals and cabochons with pink coral by using the two of them effortlessly.

4)      Price the difference, if any.

The price of a red coral gemstone can vary from 100$ to 1500$ per gram, depending on its purity and color. The price of a pink coral gemstone can vary from 285$-300$ per gram, but the price of the coral chip bracelet will vary depending on the metal in which it is set. Gems with gold and diamonds will cost even more. That and the fact that red coral is in much greater demand than its pink counterpart greatly increases its price.

5)      Factors deciding their market value

Size and purity are the main evaluating factors in red coral; the color is secondary. But color and purity are the main evaluating factors in pink coral; size is secondary. In other words, if a 7mm wire of red coral costs around 1200$, an 8mm wire will also cost you 1200$. But in the case of pink coral, the shade of pink will decide its price. The rarer the hue, the greater will be its price per gram.

6)      Method of treatment of the gem

Treatment modalities for red and pink corals differ. Red coral is occasionally dyed to enhance its color. Just after harvesting, coral is often treated with oil to cover the minute cracks on its surface and give it a smooth appearance. Pink coral, on the other hand, is treated with colorless wax to improve its appearance. All of these procedures should be mentioned to the customer before the transaction as per the Gia protocols.

7)      Do the healing properties differ according to the colors?

Red corals help heal depression, heartburn, colic problems, and kidney and bladder problems. Pink corals are used in the healing of the heart, stomach, and reproductive organs. Both colors are used to ward off negative energies and release unhealthy thoughts and processes and promote peace and positive thinking and increase financial stability in a person's life.

8)      Comes with a specific cut

Red coral is porous and can be cut into many shapes, including heart, pear, disk, princess, oval, and emerald. These are the most popular cuts of red coral used in jewelry. Pink coral, on the other hand, because of its texture and opacity, is cut into cabochons (one side convex and one side flat) which then can be shaped into geometrical or free-form shapes. The texture of the coral determines the cut that is used for them.

9)      Combination with other stones

A red coral can be combined with garnet, rose quartz, citrine, and even lapis lazuli to improve the alignment of the chakras and assist in their healing properties. On the other hand, Angel coral or pink coral is best combined with aquamarine and diamonds to increase its healing properties as well as aesthetic value and make it a worthy buy and wear.

Whatever the differences in their color and other properties, both red and pink coral chip bracelet items are of soft material and require gentle polishing along with safe storing inside fabric pouches to prevent scratches and bruises. They require equal care and irrespective of the color you choose. Properly research for a reliable seller before buying and maintain them well for a long life post-purchase.