10.87 Ct. Coral from Italy

This lot presents an opaque coral oval, 10.87 carats, with precise dimensions of 24.98 x 18.01 x 4.40 mm, showing a deliberate oval outline and a substantial thickness that supports a sculptural relief. The material is natural Mediterranean coral, origin Italy, exhibiting a two tone palette of salmon body color with a contrasting white overlay, and a medium color intensity that sits well within an evenness grade for collector quality pieces. The piece is carved rather than faceted, the technique being a bas relief cameo style where the white layer has been selectively removed to reveal figural detail in high contrast against the salmon ground, the result being a clear delineation between background and subject without translucency. Transparency is opaque, and the stone shows no enhancements, confirming that the color and surface are entirely natural, which is critical for provenance sensitive markets and for collectors who require untreated material for museum grade work.

Close inspection of the cutting and finishing reveals advanced lapidary control, consistent with traditional cameo carving practices. The carving cut is executed in bas relief with refined modelling of the profile, hair, and architectural drapery elements, showing graduated depth from low relief in the collar area to higher relief in the facial plane and floral motifs. Tool marks are minimal and controlled, indicating successive stages of shaping with abrasive wheels and rotary micro tools followed by fine rasping and pointed gravers for hair lines and floral detail. Undercutting is expertly applied around the neck and floral edges to increase shadow contrast, while the cameo surface retains crisp terminations without feathering, which signifies precise control of the carving wheel torque and abrasive grit progression. The excellent polish is the result of a finely graduated abrasive sequence culminating in a soft buff finish, producing a satiny to high gloss sheen on the raised white relief and a slightly softer gloss on the salmon ground, a desirable contrast for cameo presentation. The relief depth of 4.40 mm supports three dimensional modelling without risking breakage in delicate areas, and the overall oval proportions 24.98 x 18.01 mm are balanced for charismatic visibility while still being practical for various mounting choices.

From a conservatory and design perspective this coral cameo is versatile for high end wearable and collector centric settings. Given the material hardness around Mohs 3 to 4, the preferred mounting types are protective bezel or closed back cameo mounts that shield the delicate high points from abrasion and impact, or a low profile rubover bezel for a ring when set by an experienced jeweler who will allow for a protective metal lip. For pendants and brooches the thickness and relief allow for traditional Italian cameo frames or custom hand forged mounts that emphasize the salmon field and the white modelled relief. Color pairing considerations benefit from warm metals, yellow gold highlights the salmon field and enriches the organic warmth, while a white metal frame can emphasize the white overlay and create a cooler contrast for modern styling. Care recommendations are conservative, avoid ultrasonic cleaning and steam, avoid chemicals including acids and bleaching agents, avoid prolonged exposure to high heat and perfumes, clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, and store separately to prevent abrasion. The absence of enhancements assures stable performance under normal wear, but the organic nature of coral requires mindful handling and protective mounting.

The Natural Gemstone Company presents this Italian coral cameo for clients who demand technical accuracy in material description and lapidary provenance, the piece is offered with full disclosure of no enhancement and with exact metrics necessary for design and valuation work. For gemological verification and bespoke mounting consultations our specialists can provide additional photographic detail, milling templates for setting fabrication, and recommended conservation practices tailored to your intended use. This artifact combines traditional Mediterranean material with precise cameo work, delivering a collectible coral specimen that bridges historical carving techniques and contemporary jewelry design requirements.