A necklace with fake coral (lacquer) with a medallion.

In the late 19th century real coral was slowly replaced with other substances. The beads were made from various materials, often from glass, porcelain, resins or even “bread mash,” mass made from bread and glue. Distinguishingly bright red, the sound of these beads rubbing against each other resembled the sound made of real, coral beads. Due to their low price they became very popular. The imitations were bought at fairs and often from travelling merchants.