19.09 Ct. Coral from Australia

This listing describes one beautiful opaque 19.09 carat freeform shape orange coral, dimensions 25.30 x 19.04 x 7.22 mm, cut n a, light color intensity, excellent polish, enhancement no enhancement, origin Australia, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company. The piece is a freeform carved element, executed as a low relief floral motif with a central recessed boss and radiating petal forms, the carving respecting the natural growth layers of the material. Color presentation reads as a light orange to salmon tone with subtle zonal variation and small, localized areas of lighter calcified material, these areas presenting as cream to off white accents that are intrinsic to the natural coral substrate. As an opaque organic gem the specimen exhibits a uniform, non transparent body, the play of light is surface driven and the polish quality is therefore a primary determinant of visual appeal. The excellent polish on this example yields a smooth, satiny to slightly subvitreous surface, allowing the gentle tonal transitions in the material to read clearly under both diffuse and directional lighting.

From a materials science perspective coral is an organic biogenic aragonitic structure, and this Australian example conforms to the expected textural and structural characteristics of high quality coral used in fine jewelry. The gem measures 7.22 mm in maximum thickness at the seat, a dimension that preserves structural integrity while allowing the carver to render crisp petal terminations and undercut relief without risking through cuts. Hardness is in the lower to moderate range for gem materials, typically around Mohs 3 to 4, therefore the surface polishing regimen was adjusted to protect the outer cortex of the skeleton while achieving a uniform sheen. The polishing sequence utilized progressively finer abrasives, concluding with a gentle polishing compound applied on a soft wheel to remove micro scratches and to close the surface, resulting in the excellent polish grade recorded. There is no evidence of dyeing, resin impregnation, stabilization or other enhancement, the surface response and color distribution are consistent with untreated natural coral from Australian localities, and the piece retains original porosity characteristics that can be observed under magnification as fine growth lines and micro texture.

Craftsmanship and cutting approach are central to this item, the designation cut n a reflects that the work is a freeform carving rather than a faceted or traditional cabochon cut, and the maker employed classic relief carving techniques to create a floral silhouette with controlled thickness and balanced mass. Tool work indicates the use of rotary burs for primary shaping, followed by finer abrasive points for detail work, and final hand finishing for petal edges and the central boss. The result is a carved element with deliberate asymmetry that emphasizes the natural outline of the rough, this approach preserves maximum weight while providing a visually compelling motif suitable for pendant or statement brooch applications. Given the 19.09 carat weight and the plan dimensions, the piece is large enough to serve as a focal element in bespoke designs, and the 7.22 mm thickness supports secure bezel settings where a metal rim can protect the perimeter but also read the three dimensional relief effectively. For designers considering prong work, care should be taken to avoid point loading on carved petals, and mechanical mounting solutions that distribute stress around the thicker central mass are recommended.

For care, conservation and practical use the organic nature of coral dictates a conservative maintenance regimen, avoid exposure to acids, strong solvents, household chemicals and prolonged ultraviolet or thermal stress, these factors can cause surface crazing, color change or degradation of the organic matrix. Clean with a soft cloth and lukewarm water with mild soap, avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, and store separately from harder gemstones to prevent abrasion. Because this specimen is untreated, it will respond predictably to gentle maintenance and will retain its natural surface texture and color over time when cared for properly. The Natural Gemstone Company documents provenance for this coral as Australia, and we provide high resolution images and measured data to support design and appraisal workflows. If you require additional photographic angles, microscopic images, or specific setting recommendations for this freeform orange coral, contact our technical sales team and we will supply the information needed to integrate this material into a controlled, durable jewelry design.