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<p>Coral is the skeleton of many small marine animals , living together, having formed a colony. These animals belong to the class of polyps anthozoa, size a few millimeters each, living next to each other forming massive colonies. Each polyp born, crashes its skeleton in the colony and expands . These colonies during the centuries can reach kilometers in length forming coral reefs which are called atolls. Coral reefs consist of calcium carbonate , CaCO3, the material from which the skeleton of each tiny polyp is made. In the colonies along with coral polyps live and some monocytic algae called zooxanthelles . These algae photosynthesize and supply food to the polyps , but at the same time secrete pigments which color the colonies, ie corals. Corals have a hardness of 3.5 and a specific weight of 2.6.</p>
<p>It is considered to be a very powerful talisman. In many regions of Greece people believe that coral protects against the evil eye, as well as sailors from the fury of the sea. In Chios isle they hung sprigs of coral in the crib of the newborn. Finally we mention that in many renaissance paintings the divine infant is depicted with a sprig of coral, hanging on the neck. The word coral has probably Greek etymology : cori – alos , ie , the daughter of the sea.</p>
<p>The fisheries and trade in coral , are an activity governed by the ” Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species” (CITES). This treaty has been signed by 154 countries, allowing where to catch the various qualities corals. The annexes to the Treaty, detailing the areas and qualities coral fishing is authorized.</p>
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<p><strong>FRESH WATER PEARLS</strong> <span>according to tradition are a symbol for a happy marriage and help the flow of love in the couple. They enhance purity, faith in noble values, such as honesty, morality and charity. At young ages they symbolize innocence and pure heart. That is the reason why they are known as “stone of sincerity”. Pearls treat digestive disorders and the soft organs of the body. They relieve conditions of bloating and biliousness. Pearls increase fertility and ease childbirth. </span><strong>Zodiac:</strong><span> Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Virgo.</span><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p>Since antiquity, man was impressed by the pearl bearing oysters. His admiration led him to use them to decorate garments and jewellery. Writers of world literature were inspired by pearls and created stories about mythical pearls that in some cases brought happiness beyond imagination or in others, floods of tears to their owners!</p>
<p>Pearl bearing oysters during their 6-7 years of life, enfold “invaders” (such as grains of sand, pebbles, etc) with superimposed layers of nacre. Thus, each “invader” is transformed into a beautiful pearl, in an almost magical way!</p>
<p><strong>Marine research in oysters is a highly cost work. </strong>Imagine that, just a necklace consisted of evenly, perfectly round and same color pearls is a very expensive acquisition. This is why man cultivates oysters in fresh water. Cultivated pearls cost much cheaper than the ones collected at the open seas.</p>
<p>Some pearls are shiny and others have dull color. The dull ones are very cheap. Strands of pearls with irregular and uneven beads, which are most frequently found in the market, are also very cheap. The pearls we use in our jewellery and efhantra come from farms, are shiny, even in color and shape and perfectly round. When a pearl is genuine, we can hear a crackling sound while our teeth are on it.</p>
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<p><strong>SHELL</strong> beads come from the outer testa of marine animals called shellfish. Shells perform a great variety in their forms, sizes and colors. Their structure is very hard and durable. They are created by calcareous or titanic or chitinodic secretions excreted by glands located under the mantle of the animal.</p>
<p>Μan observed sea shells from early times. He added them to his daily diet. They were proved nutritional and aphrodisiac. He used shells to make utilitarian objects. But especially he has created and still does fine jewelry, because some shells have incredible color combinations in their outer testa and the interior has wavy reflections. We call them mother of pearl and sometimes, ivory, even though the elephant tusks are also called ivory. Some shells (i.e. oysters) trap within them grains of sand, etc. that are converted to pearls. There has been discovered a 405 years old shell!</p>
<p>Some shells of the ocean reach dimensions of 100cm X 70cm X 60cm!</p>
<p><strong>SHELL</strong> according to tradition, stimulates intuition, sensitivity, imagination and adaptability. It treats hearing disorders and calcium deficiencies. It assists the healing of broken bones and general malfunctions of the spinal canal and the nervous system.</p>
<p><strong>Zodiac</strong>: Pisces.</p>
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<p>Since antiquity, man has used animal bones, obtained from the animals killed for human consumption, to curve arms, tools etc., that assisted him in his everyday life. Among all animal bones, camel bone is more resistant and heavier. Camel bone beads when striking one to the other create a louder and more bass sound than the rest animal bones’ beads do. For these reasons it is the most often choice for hand garlands and kompolois. Animal bone is tinctured after some time by our hands’ secretions with a sweet beige color.</p>
<p>The animal bone beads we sell, meet the EC legislation on animal by-products not intended for human consumption.</p>
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<p>Man has used animal horn to make drinking cups, flower pots, musical instruments, tools and jewellery. It takes a lot of time and work to make well-polished and same shaped horn beads. Thus, their price is relative to the symmetrical shape of beads and the quality of their polished finish. The colors of the horns vary between brown, grey and black. They produce a charming sound when one bead strikes to the other. Animal Horn beads are quite durable. If you wash them, make sure they remain for a short time in water that should never be hot.</p>
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<p><strong>Ivory</strong> is a hard, white material, derived from the tusks and teeth of elephants. It consists of dentine, a tissue that is similar to bone. It has been important since ancient times for making a range of items, from ivory carvings to false teeth, fans, and dominoes. Elephant ivory has been the most important source, but ivory from many species including the hippopotamus, walrus, pig, sperm whale, and narwhal have been used. The word ultimately derives from the Ancient Egyptian âb, âbu “elephant”, through the Latin ebor- or ebur.</p>
<p>Ivory has many ornamental and practical uses. Prior to the introduction of plastics, it was used for billiard balls, piano keys, Scottish bagpipes, buttons and a wide range of ornamental items. Synthetic substitutes for ivory have been developed. Plastics have been viewed by piano purists as an inferior ivory substitute on piano keys, although other recently developed materials more closely resemble the feel of real ivory.</p>
<p>The use and trade of elephant ivory have become controversial because they have contributed to seriously declining elephant populations in many countries. In 1975, the Asian elephant was placed on Appendix One of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which prevents international trade between member countries. The African elephant was placed on Appendix One in January 1990. Since then, some southern African countries have had their populations of elephants “downlisted” to Appendix Two, allowing sale of some stockpiles.</p>
<p>Due to the above, we have in stock only a few pieces of old ivory.</p>
<p>(Source of Information Jewelpedia, Wikipedia)</p>
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<p>Back in time, when turtles were plentiful; their shells were used to create a multitude of objects. Due to their excellent durability and beautiful colors, people made combs, buttons, bowls, knife handles, etc. Nowadats turtleback beads are quite rare and expensive. Since certain turtle species are protected from extinction, we have available turtleback beads in a limited quantity.</p>
