Red coral / Corallium Rubrum beads

Blood coral beads 'Old Dutch'

You will find many Old Dutch models of Blood Coral beads in this section. These Blood Coral beads are cut from sustainably sourced deep-sea coral, ensuring that no colorful coral reefs are harmed. In many cases, these coral beads have therefore been color-enhanced. It is a unique coloring process that achieves the antique/Old Dutch color. This Blood Coral is well-suited for making or recreating Old Dutch jewelry.
Real red coral is quite expensive. In October 2013, a seven-row red coral necklace, found in an attic!, was auctioned for 7,500!

Red coral was widely used, especially in regional jewelry.

And it has been worn in the Netherlands since the 16th century. In inventories found from the 18th century, red coral appears frequently, both in the city and in the countryside. Because there was a great demand for red coral, a lot of it was imitated. Not to deceive, but simply to keep it affordable! That is why imitation red coral beads were also called social beads. Funny, isn't it? Imitation red coral was often worn with work clothes, because people were careful with real red coral; after all, it was precious! Around 1860-70, it became more chic to wear garnet. In some parts of the Netherlands, red coral went out of fashion as part of regional jewelry. Nowadays, red coral is experiencing a real revival and it combines beautifully with both gold and silver.