How is the price of coral determined?

10-03-2025
coral price

"What is the price of coral? What value does coral have? How much does coral go?", these are the most common questions we are asked by customers and people who visit our site, sometimes even misled by information available online that is not entirely accurate.

Like precious stones, coral's value is determined by visual assessment. Factors include the type of material, processing, and the artisan's craftsmanship in worked coral.

Some clarifications on the cost of coral

Online you can find information on coral prices per gram between € 100 and € 1000 - € 1500, but it should be noted that these are completely random estimates.

The value of a coral jewel depends on the type of coral used, with Aka coral being the most valuable and expensive. Its processing can exceed €3000 per gram due to its vitreous nature, requiring skilled handling to avoid damage.

The rise in coral value

Recently, coral has become more valuable. While many believe this is due to dwindling coral banks, a major factor is the growing demand in Russia, China, and India.

Assessment of processed coral: jewellery and artifacts

Similar to cameos, the value of coral jewelry is significantly influenced by the craftsmanship of the Master Engraver. Their skill and creativity can enhance or diminish the worth of the artifact. Occasionally, coral jewelry may be valued lower due to defects in the processing.

Raw coral: items for consideration

Evaluating raw coral involves considering three main aspects: color, size, and origin.

Color
Size
Origin

Additional factors include the presence of cracks or veins and the coral's friability.

There is only one type of red coral available in the Mediterranean Sea used in high-quality goldsmith production and it's named Corallium Rubrum.

The estimation of smooth coral

The factors for determining the value of smooth coral and therefore of spheres for making necklaces and other coral jewelry are:

Total absence of impurities
Uniformity of the spheres
Color
Place of purchase

Coral impurities consist of holes, filaments, and double color on the same sphere.

The uniformity of the balls may not always be consistent due to small indentations or errors that can occur during the drilling process when creating holes in the pellet for insertion into a necklace or bracelet. Color is an important factor in evaluating all types of coral, and it is essential that the color is uniform, dense, and vibrant.

Coral Made in Torre del Greco, certified quality

An important factor in determining the quality of coral processing is the location where it is processed. Selecting a product from Torre del Greco ensures reliability, trustworthiness, and high quality. The "Made in Torre del Greco" certification mark, which our company places on all produced items, was established for this reason. This certification is of significant value as it includes all necessary information for accurately identifying the type of processing and material used, providing an authentic guarantee of quality.