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Other Gemstone Beads

Here we have other gemstone beads that we could not resist picking up. We offer a bit of coral to go with our turquoise as well as a few odds and ends here and there. Some of these items are one of a kind and therefore we only have one available (the one in the picture). Check the item description for details.

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Coral Chip Beads $7.50 per 16 inch strand	Loose Red Coral Roses $4.00 per package of five beads	Coral Cube Beads 10x16mm $16.50 per 16 inch strand
Coral Cube Beads 8mm $14.50 per 16 inch strand	Red Coral Cube Beads $24.50 per 16 inch strand	Carved Apple Coral Ovals $42.50 per 16 inch strand
Carved Apple Coral Roses $42.50 per 16 inch strand	Carved Apple Coral Rounds $47.50 per 16 inch strand

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The Future of Coral Beads

Coral beads are not actually stones. Coral beads are made up of tiny sea animals called polyps. Polyps live in large colonies that cement themselves to each other, making large branch-like formations. When the polyps die, they leave behind their skeletons as a part of the coral. New generations of polyps build onto these old skeletons, and slowly the coral grows.

Coral beads come in many colors such as red, yellow, purple, and green. Obviously, red coral beads are all that sell well. Natural red coral beads are hard to find since most of it has already been mined. Nearly all the red coral beads that we see are white or pink coral that has been dyed. Since it can take hundreds of years for polyps to build up a reasonable amount of red coral, it is already a concern that natural red coral beads will soon become artifacts.

Besides the time it takes for coral to build up, there are other factors limiting the production of coral beads. The most important of which is that many fish depend on coral for survival and many more fish depend on those other fish for food. Another factor is that coral reefs are good for the economy. Many countries protect their coral reefs for the sole reason of luring tourists.

So, are coral beads diminishing? Natural coral beads are on a sharp decline, but the dyed and fake stuff won't be going anywhere as long as they continue to sell.

Turquoise Articles

Imitations and Treatments of Turquoise
The first people to develop imitation turquoise was the Egyptians in a kind of pottery called faience. “Viennese turquoise” refers to an early imitation turquoise made with aluminum phosphate and colored with by products of copper.

Turquoise Beading Tips
The best thing about turquoise is that even the most inexperienced beader can have fun with turquoise beads. No matter the season, turquoise is the most fashionable stone around.

Turquoise Around the World
The unique color of turquoise has endeared it to different cultures of the world throughout history. Despite the geographical features separating them, all of these cultures associated turquoise with fortune and health.

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