10.24 Ct. Cabochon Coral from Italy

One beautiful opaque 10.24 carat round shape salmon and white coral is presented with precise dimensions of 6.50 x 6.50 x 2.50 mm, cabochon cut, medium light color intensity, and an excellent polish, no enhancement, origin Italy, available from The Natural Gemstone Company. The stone has been shaped into a classic round cabochon with a balanced dome and a smooth girdle, providing a controlled curvature that maximizes surface reflection while retaining a substantial profile for secure setting. The 2.50 mm thickness paired with the 6.50 mm diameter yields a dome ratio that produces a distinct optical depth, a desirable attribute in organic materials where surface luster is a primary contributor to perceived color intensity. The cabochon style is intentionally chosen for this material, because the absence of facets allows the coral to present a uniform satin like sheen and a gentle glow that reads as vibrant in a variety of light sources, while the excellent polish ensures specular highlights that enhance the salmon hue without introducing distracting reflections.

The salmon and white color distribution in this coral is technically intriguing, the overall hue reads as a warm pinkish orange with interspersed lighter white areas that create soft contrast and a subtly variegated appearance. The medium light color intensity indicates that the tone and saturation are balanced between visibility and delicacy, offering a gemstone that asserts presence without overpowering surrounding design elements. From a grading perspective the hue is well centered within the salmon spectrum, the tone is light to medium which allows the white zones to register as rhomboidal or patchy zones rather than stark bleaches, and the saturation remains steady enough that the color reads clean under both warm and cool lighting. The opacity of the piece eliminates internal windowing, making the color uniform across viewing angles, while the cabochon dome produces a micro optical layering effect, where the viewer perceives depth and warmth rather than flat color, a quality that jewelers value when designing pieces intended to catch the eye through subtlety and surface quality.

From a craftsmanship and setting standpoint this coral is exceptionally versatile, it is small enough at 6.50 mm to be used as a refined focal point in a pair of studs or as a repeating motif in a multi stone cluster, yet its 10.24 carat weight and confident dome give it a presence suitable for single stone delicate pendants and signet style rings. The color will stand out in white metal settings through high contrast, the salmon hue yields a luminous pop against platinum or white gold, while warmer yellow or rose gold will harmonize with the coral to create a tonal monochrome effect that enhances the organic warmth. Given corals relative softness compared to traditional gemstones, defensive mounting strategies are recommended, bezel settings provide protection and a clean visual frame, low profile prong settings with careful crown bridge design reduce edge exposure, and flush or inlay techniques are excellent for jewelry that will be worn daily. For designers seeking focal drama, a narrow diamond halo will register as fine brilliance that elevates the coral without competing with its color, for minimalist clients the polished dome alone provides a vivid focal point that reads modern and sophisticated.

The lapidary finish on this piece demonstrates attentive technique, the cabochon was preformed to maintain round symmetry, sanded through progressive abrasive grits to eliminate any grinding chatter, and finished with a fine polishing regimen appropriate for organic carbonate materials, resulting in the excellent polish noted. Polishing for coral requires careful control of heat and pressure to preserve the integrity of the material, and our cutters aim for a satin to high gloss transition that retains surface texture and prevents over burnishing, this attention to finishing ensures the stone will exhibit sustained luster in finished jewelry. Provenance from Italy is significant for collectors and designers who value traceability, and the no enhancement statement confirms the color and surface are natural, an important consideration for connoisseurs assessing long term value and authenticity. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the quality and origin of this piece, and we invite inquiries for bespoke mounting recommendations, complimentary matching advice for paired stones, and consultation on how the salmon and white coral will perform in specific metal combinations and designs, the vibrant color of this coral will stand out in any jewelry setting, offering a warm, natural focal point that balances technical refinement with organic charm.