When I go through listings and sadly see numerous bids, extremely high, on items that are described as (collectible) genuine vintage coral strung on fish line, newer clasp, and 9 times out of 10 is newer Asian dyed coral or not coral at all but an imitation, I decided to give a brief guide that might be helpful to bidders and sellers.

A pretty good testing which I learned from Appraisers with "What 's It Worth to You", is to take a small amount of concentrated Lemon Juice and place it on the coral, if it produces small or large bubbles and adheres to the coral, not roll off, then it most likely is genuine coral. Must be removed promptly with water as not to harm the coral. You might have to use a loupe to view the results.

When viewing a coral photo, be sure to ask questions,  check out the clasp, the stringing, & the coloring, if there isn't any close up photos of the beads etc., ask for them.  If they come back with "camera is broke, etc" forget it. I have had this told to me several times, lol. Also ask if item is guaranteed to be vintage, antique, not color enhanced (dyed) natural coral.  Sometimes  the item, a necklace for example, might have been restrung due to the age or condition of the original stringing.

One seller for example when I asked if their coral was genuine vintage natural coral, not enhanced in color, answered stating that in this day, all gems are enhanced or treated in one way or another.  WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU??  Right, NOT genuine natural un-enhanced coral.  Buyer beware if wanting to purchase true antique, vintage, genuine coral. 

Also try not to go by just the "looks" of an item, the density of the coral (weight) is important. The more compact weight, the better as far as value etc.  There are many different  light weight genuine vintage coral that are also genuine vintage collectibles, a childs necklace for example.

After finding out as much information as you can but still are in doubt, send information along with item number etc. to "What's It Worth to You" appraisers, very small fee for their services, well worth it before you list or bid on a coral item.

I hope this information has been of some help to bidders & sellers alike.