Large Hammered Sterling Silver Ring with Indonesian Fossilized Coral
SKU:
$242.00
$242.00
per item
A large hammered Sterling Silver ring, with a triangle fossilized Coral cabochon with a lovely snowflake pattern, set in Sterling Silver.
This fossilized Coral comes from the volcanic areas of Indonesia and is some 20 million years old. Read more about fossilized Coral under the pictures.
The hammered band is about 5 mm wide.
Size of the ring is about 9.75 US, R UK, 17,5 Japan and 20 HK.
Please click here for the matching bracelet.
All Cantik! items come packed in a gift box and ship within 2 working days from ordering.
This fossilized Coral comes from the volcanic areas of Indonesia and is some 20 million years old. Read more about fossilized Coral under the pictures.
The hammered band is about 5 mm wide.
Size of the ring is about 9.75 US, R UK, 17,5 Japan and 20 HK.
Please click here for the matching bracelet.
All Cantik! items come packed in a gift box and ship within 2 working days from ordering.
Fossil coral is a natural type of gemstone formed by ancient corals. The proper name for fossil coral is agatized or 'agatized fossil coral', because during formation, the coral remains are gradually replaced with Agate, a variety of naturally occurring Chalcedony, or microcrystalline Quartz. When prehistoric corals are fossilized through replacement with agate, the fossil coral forms through hardened deposits left by silica-rich waters. The entire process can take over 20 million years and occurs only under very unique geological conditions. Corals are marine animals and it is their skeletons that are fossilized and preserved, often leaving flower-like patterns in the stone.
Fossil coral is created through the process of replacement, whereby calcium carbonate (coral) is replaced by silica. This unique process of preservation can result in different mineral concentrations from specimen to specimen. Silica can range from light amorphous opaline to dense forms of chalcedony. Thus, fossil coral specimens may have slightly varying densities depending on the exact mineral concentration. Fossil coral can be mistaken for other types of agate such as Moss or Dendritic Agate, but the pattern and body color of fossil coral is quite distinct. Fossil coral is also much harder than precious coral. Most agatized fossil coral exhibits a dull to waxy luster and interesting skeletal-like ancient coral patterns, most often appearing in flower shapes.
Almost all fossil coral specimens are found in either Indonesia or the United States (Florida and Georgia). Indonesian fossilized coral is considered to be the most desirable and unique. In Indonesia, entire coral heads are often found perfectly preserved, appearing exactly as they did 20 million years ago, though density may vary according to the exact chemical replacement of silica, manganese, iron and other various minerals.
Fossil coral is often shaped and polished as cabochons. They are frequently used for ornamental gemstone carvings. Most cabochons are cut with low domes or flat surfaces. The most common shapes are ovals, rounds and cushions. Fancy and freeform shapes are also quite popular.
Fossil coral is not typically treated or enhanced in any way.
Since fossil coral is a combination of coral and agate, it carries many strong metaphysical beliefs. Agate is associated with the zodiacal signs Scorpio and Gemini, and agate is said to be ruled by the moon. It is a grounding stone and is supposedly good for bringing about change. Physically, agate is thought to be able to help heal pancreatic disorders and improve blood and air circulation. It is used for healing illnesses of the eyes, skin and stomach, is even believed to enhance longevity.
Since the beginning of the 1st millennium, coral has been highly prized as a gem because it was believed to have mysterious, powerful and sacred properties. The Gauls often used coral gems as ornamentation for their helmets and weapons, believing that it was a protective stone. Ancient Egyptians also placed coral in tombs of the deceased to protect against evil spirits because they believed each coral gem actually contained divine blood.
The Romans hung branches of coral around the necks of their children to protect them from danger. In the early 20th century, the people of Italy used coral for protection from the 'evil eye' and many Italians used it for infertility. Among the Hopi and Zuni tribes, the 'road of life' is symbolized by coral, jet, abalone and turquoise (the four elements). Although coral is not a traditional birthstone for any month, it is a non-traditional zodiac stone for Taurus. Reddish and orange colored coral stones are thought to benefit the root and spleen chakras by providing energy and warmth.