I'm wanting to make a coral and gold necklace but I'm really struggling to find coral beads. I want 3 - 4 mm round beads.

Is coral a bit like ivory now? Is it a naughty thing to want to work with and that's why i can't find what i want?:confused:

Just realised that I posted that as my other half, sorry!!:hihi:

I know that Black coral is naughty, only because my ex had a black coral necklace that his Dad brought over from Jamaica and would have got into a lot of trouble for if it had been found/seen. It's in small quantities and worth a fortune I'm told, not sure about other colours though but I'm guessing the same applies.

You should be able to get coral beads, but the main thing to consider is the source. Coral beads are sometimes labelled 're-crafted', which means they're made from pre-existing coral ornaments and jewellery which have been recycled. Some other coral comes, apparently, from aquaculture operations, where the coral is farmed for the industry, and not taken from natural reefs.

I haven't come across coral beads before, only on pre-made jewellery. If they're difficult to find, how about replacing them with smooth, opaque orange/cream glass?

I'm wanting to make a coral and gold necklace but I'm really struggling to find coral beads. I want 3 - 4 mm round beads.

Is coral a bit like ivory now? Is it a naughty thing to want to work with and that's why i can't find what i want?:confused:

try these...
http://www.beadaddict.co.uk/uk/coral1.htm
http://www.firemountaingems.com/gemstonebeads.asp#GenuineGemstoneBeads
the second is a US website, and I haven't actually bought from them, but I have bought from the first one, and they seem OK.

Hope this helps :thumbsup:

Thanks everyone, I've opted for some Red Jasper instead. Now to get crafting.....:thumbsup:

Damn I ran in here before I saw the C in the title!



Ill go...

Damn I ran in here before I saw the C in the title!



Ill go...

Have a lovely holiday Jabs :D