Coral is the skeletal remains of marine animals called coral polyps left on the remains of other polyps. The precious corals are found in the Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. A necklace with corals has a distinct look when designed with platinum, silver or gold. It is popular choice in jewelry making. However, the rapidly warming ocean has made them an endangered species, resulting in dwindling amounts of new coral. With the abundance of imitation corals, it is important to know whether what you have is an authentic coral necklace.

Authentic Coral

Check for even coloring. Coral has a deep natural color. Inspect the texture for any holes and dents. It should feel smooth. Look at coral beads closely. Red corals from Tibet and China were white fossilized corals dyed red hundreds of years ago. Although they are real corals, they are sold as imitations of the premier red coral "oxblood" from the deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea. They are larger with a horn pattern on the ends. Dip the necklace in acetone to check for dye. Check for authenticity by putting the coral in a glass of cow's milk. If the milk gets a red tinge, the coral is real. In addition, vinegar will bubble when applied on natural coral. If you purchased your jewelry from a reputable store and the price was not too cheap, chances are it is real coral.

Kinds of Coral

These gems come in many colors--from light to dark pink, red, gold, black, blue and white. Red is the most popular and is valued highly by connoisseurs. The best of these grow in the oceans off Japan and Italy. Black coral grows mostly in the waters of Mexico and the Caribbean but is not available for trade. "Angel skin," a popular shade of blush-pink coral found in the South Pacific waters, can be pricey but is not considered to be as high in quality as the red coral.

Maintenance

Corals break easily because they are organic in nature, but maintenance is simple. Polishing with a soft cloth is the best way to clean them. Put jewelry separately in velvet pouches to prevent scratches. Remove your necklace before swimming, because water will dull the polish, making it lackluster. Chemicals will seep through porous corals and damage them, so spray on your perfume before putting on your necklace. Do not use harsh detergents or soap to clean your jewelry. Make sure you use coral-friendly jewelry cleaner if you need to use one.