10.82 Ct. Coral from Italy

There are gemstones that speak quietly of oceans and empires, gemstones that carry within their layers the slow work of time and the steady hand of the artisan, and this salmon and white coral cameo is one such piece. Hailing from Italy, the historic heartland of cameo carving and Mediterranean coral trade, this oval shaped cabochon weighs 10.82 carats, with dimensions of 24.90 x 17.96 x 4.39 mm. Its opaque body presents a warm salmon ground, overlaid by a delicate white layer, a natural contrast that centuries of craftsmen sought when fashioning portrait cameos and devotional images. Carved with a traditional carving cut, this piece reveals a softly resolved profile rendered in high relief, a reminder of classical tastes and the continuity of technique that links modern collectors to the workshops of antiquity. The medium color intensity allows the white figure to stand in gentle relief against the salmon field, the excellent polish giving the surface a satiny sheen that catches light without harsh reflection. Because this coral is natural with no enhancement, it preserves the authentic texture and subtle variations that only genuine Mediterranean coral can offer.

The history of coral as ornamentation runs deep, woven into the jewelry of ancient Rome, the superstitions and symbols of the Renaissance, and the Victorian revivals that brought cameos once again into popular favor. This particular example embodies that lineage, its carved portrait recalling the meditative serenity and refined profile work that marked classical portraiture. The carving cut here is executed with sensitivity to the dual layers of color, the cutter leaving the white layer intact for the figure while revealing the warm salmon as background, a technique that demands both knowledge of the material and careful planning. At 10.82 carats and measuring 24.90 x 17.96 x 4.39 mm, the stone is substantial enough to make a striking centerpiece in a pendant or brooch, yet refined enough to sit comfortably in an artisan ring mount. Its excellent polish enhances the tactile sense of craftsmanship, making the cameo inviting to touch and admire, while the medium color intensity ensures it complements both warm and cool metal settings. The absence of any enhancement underscores its rarity, collectors and connoisseurs will appreciate that this coral retains its original character and integrity.

To own this carved coral is to possess a fragment of cultural continuity, a wearable heirloom that will carry stories forward. The Natural Gemstone Company offers this cameo to those who value tradition, provenance, and the quiet authority of objects that have been made with patience and skill. We stand behind its origin from Italy, and we note its natural, unenhanced state as an assurance of authenticity for the discerning buyer. For care, avoid prolonged exposure to acids, perfumes, and extreme heat, clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, and store away from hard gemstones that could abrade its surface. Whether set in a pendant to rest against the heart, framed in a brooch to punctuate a lapel, or placed within a ring for a signature vintage look, this coral cameo will age with poise, a small lineage of beauty to pass through generations. For further details, bespoke mounting suggestions, or to request additional images, representatives at The Natural Gemstone Company are available to guide you through provenance notes, setting options, and the thoughtful stewardship this historic material deserves.