From its very beginning, coral has been an object of both adornment and significance. Historically valued as much for its mystical properties as it was for its beauty, coral is steeped in antiquity with a reported date of use that stretches back 30,000 years. Symbolically linked to the preservation of life itself and thought to hold therapeutic attributes by ancient cultures, many people were mesmerised enough by the mysterious aura surrounding this natural wonder that they sought out further knowledge about these qualities and how best to take advantage of them. In ancient cultures, coral was believed to offer power and protection, as well as healing properties. It was thought that wearing or having pieces of coral around could have magical effects on humans and animals alike.