Featured How Can I Remove White Stain From Red Coral?

I received a red coral pendant from my father about 6 months ago. I didn’t realize coral was so fragile - so I’ve been wearing it on a necklace nonstop.
I imagine the chemicals in my cosmetics and hair/shower products have tarnished the coral, because it’s developed a crusty white stain on the edge.
Tried to clean it with soap and water and a toothpick but no luck.
How do I remove this stain?

Thank you!

 

Are you able to get a close up photo of front and back?. Afraid I don't know the answer to your question but better photos help people see clearly what they are looking and to help give you the right advice.

 

May be Byne's disease.
Calling @Bronwen for further info!

 

Hola, Lola. It does have the appearance of Byne's, but if you wear it steadily & haven't been keeping it shut up in a box, not sure it would have been subjected to the right conditions for Byne's to develop. Also, Byne's corrosion products are water soluble. Tricky, you have to be careful when cleaning coral because so much of it has been dyed. Some other things you can try on it are saliva & toothpaste (not a whitening formula). If I had it I would see what a typewriter eraser could do for it, but imagine you don't happen to have one around. A cameo loving friend found that a ceramic tipped pen of the type used for marking things worked even better than the eraser. Even if you succeed in removing the white, the texture may be permanently changed.

Is it only the back that is affected? If none of these gentler methods works, think you will have to live with it. Be sure not to get perfume on it. (We'd love to see the front.)

 

You are wearing this in the shower? Really???

If so you need to think what you are doing with your nice jewelry pieces!!!

 

If you are, stop this minute. Coral, shell & pearls will gradually erode if subjected regularly to this sort of washing.

 

You know, Bronwen, I get so sad when I see cameo rings that are completely ruined from overwear and abuse.

 

Some baby oil on a Q-tip, let sit for some hours before wipe. Stop wearing it for shower!

 

I’m going to stop showering with it!! I had NO idea that it was an issue. Thank you all for your comments.
I’ve uploaded some pictures of the front side, please let me know of any other ways I can clean the coral and remove the stain.
Thank you!!

 

There is nothing wrong with the coral, and it is not a stain so it doesn't need to be cleaned. What you see is calcium from the coral itself. It is natural process from wrong treatment. It can also happen with antique coral through neglect.
Please no toothpaste or any other non-natural substance.
A bit of natural oil on your fingertip, almost dry, and rub it on the coral. Wipe of any excess oil with a soft cloth.
Olive oil is generally advised, but I use rice bran oil, which is very fluid, contains no harmful chemicals, and doesn't leave a film or smell.

Please don't shower with jewellery, shower with a friend.

 

Full size, better to see!
Are your last pics after oiling?
If so, nothing more needed!!!

 

Rubbing it with my finger actually worked!! Thank you !

 

Red coral white stain by Lolahola posted May 8, 2020 at 5:39 PM

I used the oil from my fingers based on a suggestion and it worked really well!
I was also advised to use a very dull nail file to buff it a little and make it shinny, so I did that to the front.

Thank you all so much for your help!

 

ohh, glad it worked , but coral is a natural creature....buffing would take away material....... i'm not sure that's a good move..

 

Good call... won’t be doing that again.

 

Sidebar....

Nice of Dad to gift you that !!!
It's on my favorite chain too.
I wore a snake chain like that for 40 years...smooth and comfy !

 

I prefer them too, they don't get in a tangle and hair doesn't get caught in between links.