1.53 Ct. Cabochon Coral from Italy

This 1.53 carat Italian coral presents as a perfectly proportioned round cabochon, measuring 8.01 x 8.02 x 3.25 mm. The material is opaque, with a medium intense orange color grade that balances warmth and saturation to deliver a naturally vivid appearance without overstating the tone. The cabochon cut is executed with precise symmetry, the dome centrally centered and uniform across the table, producing even light return and a pleasing soft glow. The polish is excellent, offering a smooth mirror like surface that highlights the coral matrix and produces crisp specular highlights across the dome. There are no enhancements, the color and surface finish are natural, and the Italian origin is documented in our procurement records, providing a direct provenance that is important to discerning buyers.

From a lapidary perspective, this coral demonstrates meticulous craftsmanship. The dome height at 3.25 mm relative to the 8.01 to 8.02 mm diameter yields a balanced cabochon profile that maximizes color depth while maintaining comfortable proportions for bezel and half bezel settings. The round outline is clean, with minimal cutting loss and tight tolerances between the nominal dimensions, indicating careful orientation during preforming. The polish quality reflects a multi stage finishing sequence using progressively finer abrasives and a final rouge or cerium oxide based compound suited to organic carbonates, rather than aggressive diamond polishing, which preserves the surface integrity. Coral typically occupies a Mohs hardness range near 3.5 to 4.0 and a specific gravity commonly around 2.6, factors that inform setting decisions and daily wear considerations. Given the organic nature of coral, we recommend protective settings and avoidance of ultrasonic cleaning, steam cleaning, and prolonged exposure to acidic solutions or high heat. Traditional bezel or closed cup settings are preferred for rings and bracelets where the cabochon will be exposed to impact, while open back pendants and stud settings can elegantly showcase the warm orange hue.

The Natural Gemstone Company sources this coral with a focus on traceability and responsible procurement so that the gem fits into a conscious consumers collection. The material is collected from Italian sources under conditions that respect local regulations and community based fisheries, and it is supplied to our workshops through documented channels that prioritize environmental stewardship and fair trade practices. Because this coral is untreated, it is a compelling option for buyers who value natural state materials and clear supply chain documentation. In terms of lifecycle and stewardship, coral benefits from mindful use and maintenance, and we provide detailed care guidance to buyers so that the gem can be enjoyed across generations. For designers and collectors seeking to combine ethical sourcing with technical excellence, this piece integrates seamlessly into sustainable design narratives, pairing well with recycled metals and low impact design practices. The combination of precise lapidary execution, natural color saturation, and transparent provenance makes this Italian coral a considered choice for those assembling a responsible and technically refined gemstone collection.