In recent years, as living standards have gradually improved, precious coral crafts have become more visible to the public. But how can one properly buy and collect these unique artworks? To gain insight, we spoke with Lin Jinyu, the General Manager of Fu Rende International (Beijing) Red Coral Jewelry Co., Ltd.
Q: Could you briefly explain what corals are?
A: Corals come in a wide variety, with over 36,000 species globally. China records more than 400 types, but only 26 kinds of red coral have investment value. These are all deep-sea corals, growing between 200 to 1,000 meters deep. They have a hard structure and are found in limited areas—just 1% to 2% of the total coral family. These are the main materials used for carving and jewelry, making them rare and valuable. The main type is the red coral, which has a dendritic structure—each "branch" is a single organism, and a full coral tree is made up of multiple such units.
Q: How are corals classified?
A: Corals are generally divided into five categories: deep red, pink, white, and others. Many people mistakenly believe that red coral is dyed, but its color is natural, which adds to its value. Deep-sea red corals are mainly found in the Mediterranean, Midway Island, and Southeast Asia. Mediterranean corals are typically red, with diameters mostly under 10mm, ideal for personal jewelry. Midway Island is known for white corals, with fewer red and pink varieties, and sizes ranging from 4 to 7mm, making them expensive due to high recovery costs. Southeast Asia produces 80% of the world's corals, offering the most diverse colors, textures, and species—including cow-colored, peach, pink, and white corals.
Q: What do you think about the value of collecting coral?
A: The saying goes, "Red coral lives for thousands of years." Due to their slow growth, long lifespan, and hard texture, they are perfect for carving and display. Their rarity makes them highly valuable, often fetching several times the price of gold. Some exquisite coral sculptures or ornaments can be even more expensive. Certain corals from the Taiwan Strait are considered national treasures in China.
From an artistic perspective, coral sculptures are no less challenging than any other form of art. Each piece is unique in shape, requiring skilled artisans to craft it carefully. Every coral is distinct, making each artwork one-of-a-kind.
In terms of investment, there’s a saying: "Old is not as good as new." While auction houses often sell vintage pieces, many high-end jewelry stores offer new coral products. From a collection standpoint, both old and new pieces have their appeal. However, from an investment angle, modern corals benefit from better mining techniques, salvaging methods, and craftsmanship, offering broader market potential. Today’s carvers also produce more refined works compared to ancient times.
The scarcity of high-quality red corals means size plays a major role in pricing. Larger corals, especially those over two feet in diameter, are extremely rare and costly. Carving quality is another key factor. The design, detail, and expression determine the value. Famous artists’ works command significantly higher prices than ordinary carvings.
Q: What should buyers watch out for when purchasing coral crafts?
A: When buying red coral, there are three things to consider: first, the color should be uniform; second, the redder the better, as red is more valuable; third, the heavier the coral, the better. The appearance of real coral is similar to pearls, but unlike shellfish pearls, which show directional patterns under low magnification, coral has a flame-like pattern. Fake white corals made from crushed shellfish shells can be identified by their parallel growth layers and pink banding. Another distinguishing feature is the small, shallow pits on the surface, which indicate where individual corals grew. Some may also show holes caused by marine organisms.
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