QuestionHello,
A old coral necklace belonging to my Lithuanian grandmother seems to be giving me a rash around my neck. The necklace must be around 100 years old and I wondered if this may be because it could be becoming brittle. Would you have come across this problem by any chance? If so, is there anyway of covering it, for example with a glaze, which would also help protect the necklace from disintegrating. Many thanks for any ideas as it is very sentimental and I would so love to be able to wear this necklace. Kindest regards, Angela
AnswerHi, Angela. This is the first question I have received about old coral. I will try to help but am not certain how much help I might be. There is only so much which can be done.
I wonder first, why the rash? Is the coral rough or irritating the skin? Have you worn the necklace previously with no problems? Only you can answer these questions.
Coral is a form of calcium which is not hard compared to mineral gemstones. Coral is after all a result of life, living coral which leave the skeleton forms we know as coral. Yet, this material has be valued for its colors and usefulness in jewelry for centuries. I am quite happy that you have the old necklace from your grandmother. This is to be treasured whether or not we can fix the problem you mention in the question.
My suggestion has two possibilities, neither of which I have tried with coral. The first is to coat the coral with a lacquer and the second is to repolish the coral, hoping a smooth surface will be obtained and the color will remain as it is now.
To give the coral a lacquer coating, you really need to cut the cord and have each piece separate from the other. These would be suspended by a thread and perhaps a knot at the bottom with a part of toothpick or similar thing in the knot. This will keep the coral suspended. Then, with a fine quality clear gloss lacquer as made for woodwork, spray with a very fine and distant mist of lacquer, turning to cover the entire piece. All can be suspended in a row and that will make the spraying easier. Turn to get the other sides as needed. You must use a very fine spray from the spray can and do not over wet with lacquer. A mist coating is first. In about 5 minutes, repeat the process. You never want to spray so the lacquer sags or runs! Since lacquer melts right into a previous coating, many fine coats are much better than trying to do it all at once and really making a mess.
Once the solvent smell is gone, perhaps in a few hours, the lacquer is hard enough to handle the coral. I would suggest leaving it overnight to fully cure out before handling.
Then, restring the necklace and you are set. While durable, lacquer is not glass or epoxy and will wear over time. Wear the necklace only as you wish but not everyday. Keep things like hair spray and cleaners off of the necklace.
Angela, I have not done this procedure with coral but with other items it does work. I offer with no guarantee. Fair enough?
The second possibility is to contact a rock shop, a gems and minerals store. Ask if they know someone with a vibratory tumbler who can polish your coral. Of course, all must be off the necklace. They will likely start with a very fine grit, like 1200 grit, to smooth the surface. Then the final stage of the tumbling will impart the shine to the surface. If the coral is not degraded below the surface, repolishing is the best approach and better than the lacquer treatment. Lacquer is not durable but not permanent.
Whew..answering and not really knowing for certain is rough! I would really need to have the coral in these very hands to make the very best recommendation. That would be to leave all as it, try the lacquer or have the coral repolished to smooth and shine the surface.
Please, please use the follow-up option if you need to get back to me. I should be here, tired during the Christmas season but able to answer your follow-up.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. December 20, 2007 9:20pm
