From the seas and oceans emerged the transcendental species of coral and the global trade of jewelry change it into a luxury object to make women more attractive. The intense red corals are the most coveted in the entire world and only exist in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is severely controlled their fishing and removal; until now, have been the most exploited in the gulf of Naples (Italy) and from this place are carved and sent to the international market.
The most common color is red and the shades reach to the white, however, the black coral has also had much boom in the field of jewelry and it is known from thousands of years ago because it was part of the culture of ancient civilizations. The Greeks saw it as good-luck charm; in India the priests used it in religious rites and the Jews conferred it the same value as the silver and gold.
It was also believed that the coral served as a remedy for fever, kidney stones and some affections of the eyes; in addition, to protect those who used it from storms and lightning. Many people are unaware that these precious jewels so used in the decoration and costumes, are small animals that belong to the same species of the jellyfish, which are grouped in large colonies. The corals are usually found near the coast with clear and shallow waters and the temperature is warm; the salinity is high and with an abundance of nutritious material regulates the growth of corals.
The growth of these colonies acquires various forms and its development is very slow, only grows a centimeter of height per year. During their evolution and reproduction they leave a calcified skeleton that becomes structure for the new generations, which means, that the existence of the coral is not simple; even more when human activities contribute to the extinction of this appreciated animal to convert it into beautiful pieces of jewelry.
The strong demand from consumers for the coral is another factor that is favoring to the decreasing of these delicate corals around the world. The commercial harvest to meet the demand for jewelry has greatly reduced the size of the coral colonies; the density and the structure of these have degraded over time and its harvest is reducing the capacity of reproduction of this species and its genetic diversity.
At present, the red coral is protected in Gibraltar, Malta, Monaco, and Turkey; while in Croatia, Greece, Morocco, Italy and Spain, there are quotas of collection; which means to future the extinction of coral on the entire world.
Corals are an important marine resource, since their grouping gives rise to coral reefs, where exist a high biodiversity of plants and animals. Take care of it environment because this marine jewel because maybe is about to disappear!
ALFA