Beneath the undulating surface of the sea grows a treasure long coveted by many jewelry collectors. But this desire to own one of nature's rarities has brought many of the world's coral reefs to the precipice of collapse. It is not a gemstone or gold they seek, but the living animal called coral.

Corallium, commonly known as red and pink coral, has long been harvested for use in both jewelry and in home décor. This fascinating sea creature, which can grow as little as ¼" per year and live for 100 years, cannot reproduce fast enough to meet global demand. As a result, coral reefs are fast disappearing as over-harvesting has brought their population to the breaking point. In the Mediterranean Sea and the western Pacific Ocean, harvest yields are down 89% from 1984. Even taking into considerations such as reduction of catch effort in various regions, this is still a precipitous decline for a long-lived, slow growing species. As consumer demand increases, the coral fishermen, both legal and illegal, go deeper and deeper to find this rare animal and the aquatic devastation spreads.

For over a decade, it has been a part of Leber Jeweler Inc.'s policy not to purchase any coral or use any coral product in any of our collections. At present, very few in our industry have a similar standing commitment but we are hopeful others will join us in this mission.

We feel there are solutions within our reach and are working tirelessly to achieve them. The organization Sea Web is leading the fight to have Corallium listed under appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This would require all shipments of red and pink coral to contain an export permit from the country of origin and give CITES parties, including the United States, the authority to refuse imports of products without valid permits. This is a first step in helping to save one of the earth's greatest natural living treasures.

Leber Jeweler Inc. is proud to be part of the Too Precious To Wear campaign as part of our company's commitment to preserving our precious land and ocean resources. The world's coral reefs are harbingers of our own future and we must all work to protect them. As consumers, you can use your voice to say "No" to buying any coral jewelry or decorative item and to support efforts that help secure Corallium's listing under CITES. With coral being so closely tied to our planet's health, our future may depend on it.

In June of 2009, Brian Leber was invited to speak at Capitol Hill Ocean Week in Washington DC. Coordinated by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and sponsored by the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, he spoke on the protection of the Coral Triangle, conservation, and sustainable development, in relation to jewelry.

Brian Leber speaking at Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2009

For Further Information:

Too Precious to Wear

Sea Web

The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora