4.76 Ct. Red Cabochon Carnelian from Brazil

This listing describes a single translucent red carnelian cabochon, precisely weighed at 4.76 carats, with dimensions 10.93 x 10.92 x 5.43 mm, and a true round outline. The cutting style is classic cabochon, with a well centered apex and a dome height that produces a balanced relationship between face up color saturation and light transmission. Clarity is graded eye clean at normal viewing distance, indicating the absence of visible inclusions or fractures to the unaided eye, and the polish is assessed as excellent, yielding strong surface reflectivity and a smooth tactile finish. The piece exhibits vivid color intensity, a strong, warm red leaning subtly toward orange red, and originates from Brazil, with a dye treatment applied to enhance and equalize the body color. These characteristics make this specimen a reliable selection for designers and collectors who require predictable optical performance from a polished material.

From a lapidary and craftsmanship perspective, this carnelian reflects controlled preform selection and careful cabochon execution. The dome profile has been shaped to preserve the stone body while avoiding over thinning, an important consideration for banded chalcedony varieties to prevent windowing and loss of color saturation. The cutter has maintained an even slope across the dome, avoiding flat table facets or abrupt transitions, and has achieved an excellent mirror like polish through progressive grit stages and final felt and cerium oxide finishing. The symmetry of the round outline is within tight tolerances, and the girdle area is smoothly chamfered into the pavilion profile to facilitate secure bezel seating. Because the material is dye treated, the lapidary process likely included stabilizing and setting procedures to ensure dye retention during cutting and polishing, resulting in a uniform, stable appearance under a variety of lighting conditions.

Color grading of this cabochon is best described by its vivid intensity combined with a translucent body, which produces an inner glow when viewed against transmitted light. The hue sits squarely in the red family with a warm bias, and the tone is medium to medium deep, offering optimal visual impact without becoming overly dark. Translucency in this specimen allows for subtle internal depth and a gentle depth of color, features that are emphasized by the cabochon dome. The eye clean clarity grade confirms that the visual field is uninterrupted by large inclusions, and the surface polish enhances luster and specular highlights. For design considerations, a slightly domed cabochon such as this will present strong face up color while also responding to backlighting, making it versatile for both closed back and open backed settings depending on the desired intensity.

For complementary pairing and design integration, consider the interaction between this red carnelian and White Opal. White Opal has a milky to semi translucent body tone and can display a play of color that provides a cool, multichromatic contrast to the warm, saturated red of carnelian. Technically, pairing a dense, warm toned cabochon with a lighter, iridescent opal creates a balance of body tone and surface effect, where the opal contributes scintillation and the carnelian contributes stable, vivid color. In practical settings, a bezel or channel that nests the carnelian adjacent to a White Opal cabochon will emphasize contrast while protecting the softer opal, and a closed back setting behind the carnelian will intensify its color. When planning a design, account for the different hardness levels and required care for dye treated chalcedony and opal, avoiding prolonged exposure of either material to harsh chemicals, steam, or ultrasonic cleaning.

Measurements and mounting recommendations are straightforward for bench setters and designers. The carnelian at 10.93 x 10.92 x 5.43 mm and 4.76 carats sits comfortably in standard ring or pendant designs, and its round cabochon profile is particularly well suited to bezel mounting, tube settings, and halo surrounds where secure metal engagement around the girdle preserves the dome and polish. For a precision fit, verify seat dimensions against the exact millimeter measures provided, and allow for conventional seat tolerances to accommodate the slightly domed profile. The Natural Gemstone Company guarantees the listed specifications and can provide additional documentation on treatment, origin, and cutting history upon request, and our team is available to advise on optimal setting styles and pairing options with complementary materials, including White Opal, to achieve a finished piece that is both technically sound and visually compelling.