Natural Coral Beads Vs. Dyed Coral Beads: How To Identify Genuine Ones

A coral bead is a very bold gemstone because of its orange color. You may wonder how you will style this orange gemstone. But trust us, coral bead jewelry is a staple in every jewelry wardrobe. Coral beads will instantly lift your all-white look. This type of jewelry also goes well during the summer months.
 

Coral beads are part of the summer colors. Looking at them will remind you of the sunset over the ocean. Coral beads are one of the most vibrant gemstones. You can wear it as a necklace, bracelet, or even an anklet or earrings. This versatile coral bead gemstone can also be paired with turquoise or jade, as these vibrant colors complement each other.
 

The value of coral bead jewelry can be determined in a variety of ways. In this piece, we mainly discuss how to identify which are the real coral beads and which ones are dyed.
 

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Coral beads originate from the ocean. Coral polyps are living organisms in the sea. After their deaths, their skeletons begin to harden and form long, branch-like structures that can grow as tall as 15 inches. The coral bead gemstone is polished from the ocean after being pulled out of the water. 
 

Coral polyps are in various colors, as are their natural gemstones. In terms of popularity, coral beads are mainly orange and red. However, the gems are also available in blue, brown, and black coral beads. But you need to be able to differentiate between genuine and dyed coral beads. 

If you are a coral bead owner, you can take them to an expert in gems to help you with their authenticity. However, this can also cost you a lot of money and time, leaving you without jewelry for some time. There are also many do-it-yourself methods that you can resort to to check if yours are real coral beads. 
 

The first is the milk test. You need to put your red coral stone in a glass full of milk. Now you need to wait and check if the color of the milk has changed to a red shade. If it has, then you have natural coral beads. 
 

The next step is the tapping test. Take a coral bead and place it in your hand. You can then use your fingernail to tap it. Take a moment to listen to the sound it produces. If the sound is similar to something tapping a glass object, then chances are your coral bead is not authentic. Most fake ones are made with glass that is dyed orange or red.
 

You can also keep the coral beads on a white cloth and examine them with a magnifying glass. A smooth surface indicates accuracy. Fake coral beads have bumpy, uneven surfaces. 
 

Another test requires the use of acetone. Take a small cotton piece and add acetone to it. Make sure it is rubbing across the coral bead's surface. If the cotton has some of the gemstone's color, it has been dyed artificially. This is one of the most common methods to check if your red coral beads are genuine or not. 
 

Turmeric is also a good testing agent. You need to buy a fresh turmeric piece. Ensure that it is raw. Cut it into two parts. Take one piece and rub it on the surface of your coral bead. If the turmeric piece shows any red marks, that means the coral bead you are holding is not real. Genuine red coral beads do not alter the surface of the turmeric piece. 
 

Another way to determine if your coral beads are real or fake is to look for bubbles. When you are examining the surface of the gemstone for its smooth surface, also look for bubbles. If it does happen to show any bubbles, then the coral beads are fake. 
 

All these tests can be applied to all the colors of the gemstones. Whether you have red, orange, blue, or black coral beads, these tests will let you know if they are genuine or not. 
 

Even if you do own fake coral beads, they are just as beautiful. These tests will only help you determine the prices of the jewels. Also, knowing the authenticity of your coral beads is essential when you purchase them.

If you do not want to spend a lot of money on genuine gemstones, artificial coral bead jewelry can be an excellent alternative. You can wear jewelry such as a coral bead necklace, bracelet, anklet, earrings, rings, etc. 

Coral beads are made from the carbonate secretions of the corals in marine water. The gemstones help protect the corals from environmental stresses as well as predators. You can tell if a coral bead is genuine by either sending it over to a gem expert or by running some tests on it yourself at home. You can try the milk test on your coral bead stones. If the milk changes color, that means your coral bead is genuine. 
 

If it has any bubbles or bumps on its surfaces, it means your coral beads are not authentic. If you tap on your coral bead and give out a noise of tapping on the glass, then your gemstone is not natural. The surface of your coral bead can also be cleaned with a cotton ball soaked in acetone. If it catches color, then it is artificial. The same applies to a fresh turmeric piece. If it has any color on it, the coral bead is not genuine. 

Black coral beads are found in subtropical as well as tropical oceans across the world, at depths of up to 400 feet. This coral bead grows slowly, as much as an inch a year, and can stay alive for thousands of years. The oldest black coral bead is more than 4,000 years old. 

Ensure that you always keep your red coral gemstone away from the water. Do not take it near a cleaning solution, either. This can damage the delicate gem. If you do want to clean your coral beads, then take a wet cloth and wipe them gently with it. If you take proper care of your coral bead jewelry, then you can enjoy it for many years to come. 

Coral beads are usually sold based on their weight. Their rates range from $60 to $90 for each string, which can be up to 20 inches long. Coral bead jewelry is also known to have benefits, such as protecting you from negativity, warding off evil, and also helping in your healing. Coral beads make for beautiful jewelry and are an excellent investment.