There is a small but important class of gemstones that are not really stones at all. Rather than being minerals with a crystalline structure, their origin is organic - they formed from biological processes, whether animal or vegetable. The class of organic gems is small but includes a number of unusual varieties that are important in the gem trade; amber, coral, jet, ivory and pearl, Coral is a branching skeleton-like structure built by small marine animals known as coral polyps. Gem-quality coral is related to reef-forming coral, but the most valuable coral variety is found in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and in coastal Japan. Colors vary and can be bright-red to dark-red, orange-red, orange-pink, pink, white, blue or black. Unworked coral is dull, but when polished, coral exhibits an attractive vitreous,luster.Precious coral is a species of coral that grows on rocky sea beds, typically in dark environments, either in the depths of the ocean or in dark caverns. The coral skeleton is composed of hard calcium carbonate colored by carotenoid pigments. Coral typically exhibits a range of warm reddish-pink colors ranging from salmon-pink to deep-red. The word 'coral' is also used to refer to such colors. However, gem-quality coral is also found in white, black and blue. Due to its intense coloration and luster, precious coral has been harvested since antiquity for decorative use. Coral jewelry has been found in ancient Egyptian and prehistoric European burials. Most precious coral is harvested in the Mediterranean Sea, especially in Sardinia. Deposits are also found in the Pacific, in Japan, Taiwan and Australia. Since coral is an organic material, it is not especially durable. Coral is reasonably hard, but not nearly as hard as many gemstones; it has a rating of only 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale,Coral is sensitive to heat, acid and high temperatures, and the color can fade slightly with wear. White and red coral has a specific gravity or density of 2.60 to 2.70 and a refractive index, f 1.486 to 1.658. Coral is translucent to opaque. Coral is polished with fine-grained sandstone and emery, and then finely polished with felt-wheels. It is used for beads, cabochons, ornamental objects and sculptures. You will sometimes see branch-like pieces that are drilled and strung on spiky necklaces.

shipping. I try to ship as soon as I receive cleared payment

PURCHASE INFORMATION
Payment Terms: Payment must be received within 2 days. I accept payments via PayPal. Please contact me if you wish to make other arrangements for more time to pay

RETURN POLICY
My goal is to satisfy all of my customers, however due to the used and or large nature of my items, and high shipping cost, I am unable to accept returns. All items are sold as is. I try my best to describe each of my items as accurately as possible but please know that I am not an expert. I also try to show many clear pictures of the actual item up for bid. If you have any questions about the items please send me a message BEFORE YOU BID.

BIDDING INFORMATION
Please remember your bid is a contract. High bidder must respond with shipping address and payment method within two days of auction ending. Non-Pay Alert will be posted on the 3rd day after the sale ends if I do not hear from buyer on winning bid notification. Bidding on this item indicates your acceptance of the above and below terms.
 

INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS
I will only accept any international bids thru the global shipping program, I can not combine multi INTERNATIONAL orders, note The Global Shipping Program already provides you the buyer with an invoice for all applicable items, shipping, and import charges. Unfortunately, I can't edit these charges, even to offer a shipping discount. When you the buyer pays, I just ship the item to the US shipping center specified, and the Global Shipping Program will forward it to the buyer. the buyer will directly pay me the purchase price of the item, plus any domestic shipping cost specified in the listing. you (the buyer) will be responsible to pay the global shipping cost, I cannot guarantee delivery of your item due to the numerous channels, security, customs etc. that it must pass through. I have shipped many items without any problems ever, please understand this before you bid