Quality

The best quality Red Coral gemstone comes from a reputed origin, exhibits bright red color with a smooth, spotless, lustrous surface.

•         Origin– Italy continues to be the most popular origin, delivering fine quality red corals for more than two centuries. However, other locations including Japan, India, Algeria, USA and Taiwan are also recognized globally for producing high quality, natural red coral gemstones. Australian and Taiwan red corals are more suitable for jewelry purposes.

•         Color– Red coral does not come in a wide range of hues but its color may differ in intensity. Its color can range from warm red to deep pink to deep red. But, Ox-blood red coral displaying bright red with secondary tint of orange is more desirable in gemstone markets.

·         Clarity– Being an opaque and dusky gemstone, clarity in red coral is judged by its surface markings, texture and luster. Inclusions in red coral may occur as blemishes, black spots, groove pits or wood grain effects. Best quality red coral is smooth, lustrous and spotless or as inclusion-free as possible.

Prices

Depending on the origin, color, shape and overall clarity, price of red coral can range anywhere between ₹ 500 to ₹ 15000 (7$ to 230$) per carat. Moreover, other factors like natural availability and artificial treatment can considerably influence Moonga stone prices.

•         Origin– Japanese red coral is excessively rare and thus attracts luxury pricing from ₹ 5000 to ₹ 15000 (75$ to 230$) per carat. Italian red coral price range also tends to remain on higher end, flexing between ₹ 500 and ₹ 4000 (8$ and 65$) per carat (depending on quality). Indian red coral is relatively cheap and more affordable.
•         Color–Bright red, lustrous corals are preferred over dull, faded or pale ones. Moonga stone price per ratti increases further for vividly saturated and bright red gemstones.
•         Shape– Being an organic gemstone, red coral can easily crack from pressure and thus sold in and as cabochon gemstone in oval, round, capsule and triangular shapes. If quality and weight remain the same, round gemstones are more expensive than other shapes.
•         Clarity –Clarity of red coral is analyzed by how bright and smooth its surface is. Stones carrying blemishes, pits and spots are priced on the lower end. Munga ratna price is reasonably high for a flawless, lustrous red coral.
•         Carat Weight – Corals are rarely found in large sizes, implying that a smooth, spotless red coral weighing above a few carats is priced in relevance to its rarity.

·         Treatment– Red coral is treated to enhance its color but can be synthesized in labs as well. Artificial gemstones occur in and as plastic, wood or polymers. An original red coral is significantly expensive than the fake ones. It is better to buy red coral that is certified by recognized laboratories to avoid getting duped by fraudsters.