Body jewelry/bead carving question..

[post-patriarchy.livejournal.com]

So I am definitely not much of the jewelry-making type.  However, a while back in Hawaii I received two beautiful red coral beads from a very lovely older woman.  They are chunky and perfect for turning into gauges.  One is near the size of a 00 or 0 which is what I would like to shape them to.  The other one is a little larger.  Has anyone had experience with gauges? Does anyone here know really how to carve coral?  I don't want to ruin the beads, I've only worked with metals before..so please help!!