2.39 Ct. Coral from Italy

This piece from The Natural Gemstone Company is a finely executed coral cameo, described as one opaque 2.39 carat oval shape salmon and white coral, with dimensions 14.16 x 10.04 x 2.33 mm, a carving cut, medium intense color intensity, and an excellent polish, origin Italy, no enhancement. The oval outline measures to proportions that are well suited to classic jewelry designs, and the carat weight aligns with the measured dimensions to indicate a dense, well preserved coral blank. The material presents a two tone scheme with a warm salmon body color and a creamy white reserve for the relief, a natural stratification that is ideal for traditional cameo carving. The finish is described as excellent polish, and under magnification the surface displays the compact aragonitic microstructure typical of biogenic coral skeletons, with minimal surface porosity and a uniform polish layer that enhances apparent luster without introducing optical diffusion.

From a lapidary perspective the cutting style here is a carved cameo, executed in low to medium relief, and the craftsmanship reflects precise control over relief depth given the modest thickness of 2.33 mm. Carving cut in coral requires balancing removal of the darker salmon ground with preservation of the white outer layer that forms the portrait, and this example demonstrates careful graduated relief to render anatomical features and coiffure with crisp edges and soft transitional planes. Tool techniques likely combined fine pointed gravers and rotary micro abrasives to produce the defined silhouette and delicate hair detail, while final smoothing and polishing were achieved with progressively finer abrasives and non abrasive pastes to reach the described excellent polish. The execution of the cameo takes advantage of the inherent bicoloration, and the carving approach minimizes undercutting to maintain structural integrity, which is critically important in a thin oval blank where excessive undercutting would compromise stability.

Color grading for this coral is characterized as medium intense, and the salmon tone exhibits moderate saturation with a warm orange pink cast that is neither muted nor overly vivid, providing an elegant and wearable color profile. The white reserve for the cameo figure is creamy and opaque, creating a pleasing tonal contrast that reads clearly at normal viewing distances, and the interface between salmon and white layers is clean with little evidence of diffuse bleeding or irregular banding. Because the specimen is opaque, light transmission is negligible, and visual appeal depends predominantly on surface reflection and the quality of the carved relief, both of which are maximized here by the reported excellent polish. Color stability is supported by the absence of any enhancement, and the natural Italian origin contributes provenance value, with Mediterranean coral historically prized for consistent coloration and compact texture.

For practical use in jewelry and for collectors the combination of dimensions, weight, and relief carving suggests multiple mounting options, with bezel or closed back settings recommended to protect the thin edge and preserve the cameo relief, and brooch or pendant applications offering the broadest design flexibility. Given the natural, untreated state of the coral there are important care considerations, avoidance of harsh chemicals, prolonged exposure to high heat or strong light, steam, and ultrasonic cleaners, will prolong surface polish and color. Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soapy water followed by immediate drying is advised, and storage separate from harder gemstones will prevent abrasion. The Natural Gemstone Company is available to provide additional high resolution images, mounting recommendations, and documentation of origin upon request, and this salmon and white carved coral presents a technically interesting and historically resonant example for connoisseurs seeking a naturally layered, expertly carved cameo from Italian material.