111.80 Ct. Coral from Australia

This 111.80 carat freeform orange coral offered by The Natural Gemstone Company presents a substantial and visually commanding example of gem quality organogenic material, with dimensions of 41.86 by 34.11 by 27.63 mm, an opaque body, intense color intensity, and an excellent polish. Origin Australia, enhancement none, cut not applicable in the traditional faceted sense, the piece is a sculptural carving realized from a single specimen, preserving the natural continuity of the material and maximizing color saturation across a large surface. From a material science perspective this coral consists primarily of aragonitic calcium carbonate within an organic matrix, with an expected specific gravity in the vicinity of 2.6 and a Mohs hardness near 3.5, characteristics that govern both the handling during lapidary work and the practical considerations for setting and wear. The stone exhibits a dense, finely textured internal structure that accepts high polish while maintaining resistance to microfracturing when worked by experienced carvers, evidence of careful selection of a section exhibiting minimal internal cleavage and optimal color distribution.

The piece is executed as a high relief freeform carving with a floral motif, the lapidary technique emphasizing petal definition, undercutting, and a graduated relief that reads well at multiple viewing distances. The carver oriented the work deliberately relative to natural growth lines to reduce the likelihood of stress concentration and to exploit the most uniformly colored zones, a technique that preserves structural integrity and ensures uniform light interaction across the surface. Tooling sequences likely progressed from coarse diamond abrasives for initial shaping, through progressively finer diamond and silicon carbide wheels for form refinement, to micron scale abrasives and felt or leather pads for final smoothing, culminating in a polished surface treated with cerium oxide or analogous polishes to achieve the excellent polish noted. The result is crisp delineation between adjacent petals, micro beveling at the petal margins to reduce chipping risk, and a tactile surface finish that enhances the organic sheen characteristic of high quality coral.

Color attributes are a primary strength of this specimen, the hue residing squarely in the orange range with intense saturation and a medium to medium deep tone that produces a lively, saturated appearance without appearing overly dark. The color is described as intense, and empirical observation reveals a primarily uniform saturation, with minor natural variation that adds depth and visual complexity without indicating dyeing or bleaching. Under magnification the surface shows the expected microtexture and faint growth banding inherent to coral, none of which compromises the overall homogeneity of color or the polish. Importantly, the enhancement status is nil, indicating no polymer impregnation, dyeing, irradiation, or other laboratory procedures have been applied, and the origin from Australia is recorded, which correlates with known deposits that yield robust orange and red material. For connoisseurs and gemological purchasers this unenhanced provenance and the lack of surface treatments contribute materially to both intrinsic value and desirability.

Practical recommendations for use and mounting reflect the material properties and the sculptural nature of the carving, the piece being ideal for a substantial pendant, a museum quality brooch, or an accent component in a bespoke statement necklace where the setting can protect the edges and backside while allowing the carved surfaces to remain visible. Given the Mohs hardness in the mid 3 range and the organic composition, protective settings that minimize prong abrasion are preferred, for example custom bezels with a cushioned gallery or secure closed backs that provide mechanical support without concentrated gripping points. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, and prolonged exposure to acids, solvents, or high heat, and clean with a soft cloth and mild soap solution, drying thoroughly before storage. The Natural Gemstone Company can provide additional detailed photographs, a handling and care advisory, and consultation regarding custom mounting, provenance documentation, and certificate options, ensuring that collectors and jewelers receive both the technical information and the curatorial support necessary to showcase and preserve this exceptional 111.80 carat Australian orange coral.