Corals are biogenic materials that are made of calcium carbonate, which is created by a process called calcification. They are in reality the skeletal remains of marine polyps. These fleshy skin polyps secrete a carbonic material that allows coral to grow like branches and trees in warm ocean waters at depths of 10 feet to 500 feet.

Coral beads are natural products made from the shells of these large polyps. Coral or natural beads are created by boiling the existing tissue of the coral in a solution that is used to fill shells, which are then dried and coated.

Coral beads that have been dyed may incorporate pigments from the dyed solution into their structure, thereby altering the structural characteristics of a coral bead such as its color or shape. These natural untreated gemstones are most vibrant and are often found in bead form in natural gemstone jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.

Nowadays in greed of money people are making imitations or dyed coral beads. This is why customers feel scared to buy this jewelry. Here are some simple techniques to differentiate natural and dyed coral beads.

Therefore, natural coral and dyed coral beads are not the same; they can easily be distinguished using simple techniques.

Methods To Test Coral Beads For Authenticity

If you own coral beads and are thinking of sending them to a gem expert for testing, you'll have to spend a lot of money. Instead of sending these natural beads to a gemologist, you should follow some DIY tests.

1. The milk test

The milk test is one of the finest methods to differentiate natural and dyed coral beads. If these beads are dipped in milk, they will simply dissolve in the liquid; this happens for a longer time. On the other hand, if the color of milk changes to red this means that the chemical reacted with it. This reaction indicates that the coral beads are dyed.

2. The imperfection test

Another simple method to identify natural and dyed coral beads is the imperfection test. First of all, you've to place the coral bead on a piece of white fabric or neutral background with a quality light source. Now with the help of a magnifying glass, take a closer look at the surface of the bead. If the surface of the bead is uneven and covered with bumps or grains, it is not a real gemstone. Even under high and strong magnification real coral beads have a smooth surface. The same applies to corals with visible surface dents or holes. When holding these beads, you will notice that they are smooth to the touch.

3. The turmeric test

Buy a piece of fresh, raw turmeric and rub it on the surface of the coral. If you see any red mark on turmeric then it is a fake gemstone. Real coral stone will not change the surface of the turmeric.

4. The acetone test

This is another way to check if you're going to purchase natural gemstones jewelry. You can test if the coral bead is dyed & artificial from this test. You have to take a small cotton swab, dip it in acetone, and then rub it across the surface of the bead. If you see that the color of the acetone-soaked tip is changed and its color is similar to that of the coral, the bead is artificial and has been dyed.

5. The tapping test

In this technique, you have to tap the surface of the bead with your finger. If it sounds hollow, the beads are merely plastic and not made of coral. Also, if the sound appears like you're tapping on a glass then they are fake corals. On the other hand, if they sound solid, then they are made of coral.

6. The bubble test

You need to take a closer look at the bead and check if any bubbles are visible on the surface. If so, it's probably a fake bead made of glass or plastic. During the cooling process, bubbles are likely to form on the surface of the plastic and glass beads.

Why Is It Important To Check Authenticity Of Beads Before Buying?

It is important to know the authenticity of natural untreated gemstones in order to determine the appropriate price and value prior to your purchase. However, both artificial and naturally occurring coral pearls make beautiful jewelry. If you want to save money, artificial or dyed coral can be a great option. But if you’re fond of real things, you should buy natural gemstone jewelry.

Problems or worries regarding the authenticity of precious gemstones like corals are very common among people. But these things shouldn’t be a reason to back out of buying them. By conducting proper research about different reputable sellers such as Dream Of Stones and their catalog of products ensures you are less likely to be misled.

At Dream Of Stones, we offer genuine & natural untreated gemstones with a detailed listing, so no testing is required. If the beads are artificial and have been dyed or man-made, they will be clearly mentioned on our website. Thus, go ahead and buy your favorite coral beads or other natural beads without giving any second thought about their authenticity. For more queries or information, you can contact us at hello@dreamofstones.com.