From Beauty to Crime: The Illegal Trade of Red Coral in Italy
From Beauty to Crime: The Red Coral Trade in Italy Originally published: August 27, 2024 Last updated: September 2026 Red coral has been valued for centuries as an ornamental material and gemstone. Its intense red to pinkish-red colors, organic origin, and association with Mediterranean culture have made it particularly desirable for jewelry and decorative objects. But behind the beauty of red coral lies a complicated story involving conservation, regulated harvesting, international trade, identification, and the protection of marine ecosystems. This article examines the red coral trade, with particular attention to the Mediterranean and Italy, while also explaining why responsible sourcing matters to gemologists, jewelers, collectors, and consumers. What Is Red Coral? The material commonly called red coral belongs to colonial marine organisms rather than minerals. Precious corals are formed by colonies of tiny organisms that produce a hard skeletal framework. Several ...