Coral jewelry

Coral has deep spiritual and cultural significance in traditional Tibetan jewellery. Red precious coral (Corallium rubrum) is especially prized. Combined with turquoise and silver, coral beads are a characteristic element of Tibetan prayer beads (malas), amulets and ritual jewellery. Since Tibet is a landlocked highland, coral was brought in along centuries-old trade routes from the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia. Precious coral is rare and valuable today.