Some questions:

Q. How is coral conserved?

Coral is a natural organic material and at its raw stage its aspect is substantially opaque; as a result, it’s vulnerable to aggressive chemical agents like perfumes, creams, soap, human sweat, even salt water. 
All these chemical agents can ruin its polished shiny surface.
Therefore it’s advised to:
- keep the coral in dry places.
- avoid contact with the previously cited chemical agents.
- rub the coral piece with a cotton or pewter cloth after it’s been worn
- don’t expose the coral to high temperatures or direct contact with fire or it will burn immediately.

Q.How is coral cleaned?

There aren’t polishing methods that can be used at home.  However, if your coral piece needs re-polishing or an eventual repair we advice you to take the piece to your trustworthy coral jeweler.  

Q.Does coral colour change with time?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!  During archaeological digs coral coins were found dating back to 35.000 years.  What shocked the researchers was the beautiful untouched red colour of the coins.  The only characteristic that can be altered is the polished shine of the coral piece.  However, undergoing correct procedures by expert hands, the coral piece can return to its before splendour.

Q. How can coral imitations be recognized?

Coral is usually imitated with plastic, glass, and see-bamboo. 
The first two materials are synthetic and in aspect are substantially uniform in colour by which it can easily be recognized as an imitation, as for the see-bamboo, we are talking about another organic material that shares the same structure as coral and is composed of carbonated calcium as well, therefore it’s more difficult to recognize if the piece is an imitation or not, the only distinctive trait is that the true colour of this material is white ivory, and because of this it’s rarely used in jewelry stores in its natural colour, however, it’s dyed to create coral imitations. 
An expert eye can recognize this difference by listening to the sound the see-bamboo makes when the pieces hit against each other, or touching the piece (the dye that dresses the imitation piece makes the see-bamboo warmer compared to a real coral piece). 
Due to this, we ask you to contact your jeweler of trust for accurate assistance. 

Q. How is the quality of the coral recognized?

Coral is a natural material that contains veins within its interior which determines its quality. 
In fact in plastic imitations there is a complete absence of this unique characteristic. 
Unfortunately, there doesn’t exist a world-wide institute that can establish standard parameters that categorize product quality. 
  Instead, the quality is determined in basis of the commercial practice of the workers within the coral sector of Torre del Greco and is subdivided into three levels. 
         
- 1st quality:  a piece with small inclusions or subtle veins.           
- 2nd quality:  a piece with evident inclusions or veins that form large holes generally covered with coats of resin or coloured wax.           
- 3rd quality: a piece whose surface is almost completely full of holes resembling a sponge.