Bamboo Coral in Jewelry — How to Choose Beads and What to Pair Them With

A short strand of red beads, earrings with coral sticks, or a bracelet with pearls — the same material can look quite different depending on the shape of the beads. Round beads create an even rhythm, while irregular sticks and chips give the piece a looser silhouette.

What Is Bamboo Coral?

Bamboo coral is a marine coral with a segmented skeleton. Its hard, light-colored sections are connected by dark joints, giving it a structure that resembles a bamboo stem. Some beads show fine lines running lengthwise. Bright red bamboo coral gets its color from dye, so check the product description to see how the material and its treatment are listed. 

How to Choose a Bead Shape

  • Round beads work well in a bracelet or short necklace. For a little extra shine, add small metal spacer beads.
  • Sticks and chips work well in earrings and textured necklaces. For a pair of earrings, lay out the beads first and match them by length and weight.
  • A large bead can be the focal point of a pendant or bracelet. Leave a little space around it so its shape stands out.

Before you start stringing, check the hole diameter, especially if you’re using cord or plan to pass the thread through a bead twice.

What to Pair With Red Coral

Red coral makes a striking contrast with white freshwater pearls. Try placing a single coral bead in the center of a pearl bracelet or alternating coral sticks with small pearls. Black onyx gives the design a more graphic look, while gold-tone findings bring out the warm hue of the red beads.

Browse bamboo coral beads in the GemBeads catalog