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The Art of Coral and Jewelry: The Lasting Legacy of El-Kala’s Red Gold
El Kala: Nestled on the Mediterranean coast in the far northeastern corner of Algeria, the seaside town of El-Kala is internationally renowned as the historical capital of red coral.
Affectionately dubbed "the red gold" due to its rarity and immense value, this underwater treasure has shaped the region's economic and cultural identity for centuries. As early as the 16th century, under the rule of the Regency of Algiers, local divers and craftsmen developed an ancestral expertise to responsibly harvest and masterfully shape this precious marine resource
Today, El-Kala's master jewellers passionately uphold this legacy of excellence within their downtown workshops. Raw coral branches are meticulously carved and polished with absolute precision before being set into gold or silver, creating highly coveted, premium ornaments. To safeguard this fragile heritage from illegal poaching, the region now relies on certified, sustainable craftsmanship, allowing visit