Roughly coral categorized into two types: one is that grows about a depth of 100-300m or 1000m, the other is reef coral inhabit in the shallow water. The former is used as material to produce jewelry, so often it is called “precious coral.” When you talk about the quality, the precious coral harvested in the Kochi Bay is best in the world.

Coral has three different colors, red, Momo coral, and white. With polishing and carving the surface, the coral features the lustrous, vibrant color. Red coral becomes oxblood coral, Momo coral emphasizes its pinkish hue, and white coral grows more appealing with pure snow white.

In general, the diameter of raw coral wood is about 5-10mm, and even the most abundant red coral, the maximum size is about 20mm, and therefore, the larger the rare. The coral without any defect, of course, valued at a higher price. Coral is solid as a pearl. Like a pearl, coral lasts beauty of color and luster as long as taken carefully; when the surface lost its brilliancy, the coral will revive quickly by polishing.

サンゴの最も古いものは、ドイツの旧石器時代の遺跡で発掘された一つの珠といわれます。サンゴの赤い色は血液を連想させることから、古代ローマ時代には出産の神秘や幸福な結婚などに結びつき、安産のお守りや魔除けとして用いられるようになりました。

シルクロードを通じて日本に伝えられるまでにネパールやインドなどで装身具として広まります。仏教においては極楽浄土に飾る「七宝」の一つとして挙げられ、日本でもお守りとして使う習慣が定着しました。

長らくサンゴといえば地中海で採取されるサンゴをいい、特に18世紀以降は南イタリアのトーレ・デル・グレコがサンゴ産業の中心地でした。19世紀、高知県の土佐湾でサンゴが発見されると、種類の豊富さと美しさで知られるようになり、明治にはイタリア商人がサンゴを求めて高知に訪れ、日本の宝石珊瑚は世界で有名になりました。

「宝石珊瑚」は直径1cm成長するのに50年もかかるといわれます。併せて地球温暖化など海の環境の変化も受けて、近年ますます希少になっています。

What is impressive is that the oldest coral was one founded in the Paleolithic age in Germany. In the ancient Roman period, as the reddish color of coral reminded the color of blood, coral was worn as an amulet of safe childbirth and happiness of marriage.

Coral was one of the significant merchandise of the Silk Road trade routes connecting the East and the West. The people in India and Nepal wore coral as jewelry, and at the same time, in Buddhism, coral was listed as one of a jewel of The Seven Jewels of Royal Power. Japan welcomed the Mediterranean Sea coral as a charm against evil.

In the 18th century, the Mediterranean Sea coral made in Torre del Greco, Italy represented all the coral and the city developed in the name of the coral jewelry. The reputation was changed when the coral habitat discovered in the Kochi bay in the 19th century. By abundant resources of different types of coral, Kochi didn’t take time to attract the world. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), buyers came from Italy to Kochi traveling a long distance.

The significant component of coral is calcium carbonate, and it absorbs moisture. The followings are tips to maintain the beauty of coral.

• Wipe jewelry with a soft fabric regularly after you wore.
• Take off when you cook.
• Sweat, dust, detergent, fruit juice cause loss of luster and color change.