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Design
& Style
Some of
the most exquisite forms of art come from the depths of the
ocean! The natural beauty of coral has inspired designers to
use treasures from the reef on everything from coasters to
candle holders to desk sets and match boxes. Its fascinating
shapes and textures make coral an intriguing design element on
embroidered and beaded accent pillows. The deep sea theme
continues with seahorses and coral in shades of red arranged
inside a striking serving tray. We discovered all of these
fabulous accessories at Seaside Chic, located at 217 West
Venice Avenue on the Island.
Written
by Sandy Johnson and Photographed by Albertine Ellinwood
Printed
July/August/September 2009
Web
July 2009
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Precious
coral or red coral is the common name given to Corallium
rubrum and several related species of marine coral. The
distinguishing characteristic is their durable and intensely
colored red or pink skeleton, which is used for making jewelry
and other lovely decorative items for the home or office.
Red coral
grows on rocky sea bottom with low sedimentation, typically in
dark environments – either in the depths or in dark caverns or
crevices with strong currents. They resemble small leafless
bushes and grow to about 3 feet tall. Their valuable skeleton
is composed of intermeshed spicules of hard calcium carbonate,
colored in shades of red by carotenoid pigments. |
The hard
skeleton of red coral branches is naturally matte, but can be
polished to a glassy shine. It exhibits a range of warm
reddish pink colors from pale pink to deep red; the word coral
is also used to name such colors. Thanks to its intense and
permanent coloration and glossiness, precious coral skeletons
have been harvested since antiquity for ornamental use.
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