2.42 Ct. Salmon (Orange) Coral from Italy

One piece of natural salmon colored coral is offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, weight 2.42 carats, freeform shape, overall dimensions 9.50 x 7.00 x 2.00 mm. Cut designation n slash a, optical character opaque, color intensity medium, polish excellent, enhancement none, origin Italy. The piece displays a warm salmon orange hue with subtle tonal variation across the surface, and the freeform outline follows the natural growth pattern of the original coral rough. The 2.42 carat weight corresponds to approximately 0.484 grams, and the dimensional tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.10 mm in each axis during final profiling to ensure predictable fit in precision settings. Photographic images supplied show a carved foliate motif on comparable pieces from the same lot, and this specimen is finished to a high smoothness suitable for both closed bezel and low profile prong settings.

From a material science perspective this coral is composed predominantly of aragonitic calcium carbonate, exhibiting a specific gravity near 2.60 and a hardness of approximately 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale. The piece is opaque with negligible translucency, which is consistent with classic Mediterranean coral morphology. Color grading in our internal system classifies this specimen as medium intensity salmon, meaning the hue is clearly present without the saturation extremes that can obscure surface detail. There is no laboratory evidence of dyeing, bleaching, or polymer impregnation, and the term no enhancement is used to indicate that the color and surface condition are wholly natural after mechanical finishing. Small natural growth lines and fine grain are visible under magnification, which is normal for coral and can be used by experienced setters to orient the piece for maximum color and minimum structural weakness.

The workmanship applied by our lapidary team emphasizes conservation of material and surface integrity. Freeform shaping begins with fine sawing to remove matrix and gross irregularities, followed by gradual smoothing on diamond laps and silicon carbide abrasives through progressively finer grits. Carving of foliate or vein detail is executed with micro tooling to control relief without introducing stress fractures, and the final surface is refined on felt and leather laps with polishing agents calibrated for carbonate materials, producing the excellent polish grade noted. Edge rounding is intentionally preserved at a minimal radius to improve wear resistance, and backs are flattened within the specified tolerance when required for setting. Because coral is relatively soft and can be brittle at thin cross sections, we recommend bezel mounting or protective channel settings for daily wear, and mechanical retention should avoid high torque points.

For designers and technical buyers this coral presents a reliable and attractive option for bespoke work, museum quality reproductions, and refined jewelry where authenticity is required. The medium salmon orange pairs particularly well with warm yellow and rose gold alloys where the metal tone enhances the coral warmth, while white gold and sterling silver provide a high contrast modern aesthetic. We advise against ultrasonic cleaning, steam cleaning, exposure to acids or prolonged immersion in water containing detergents, and exposure to cosmetics or solvents, and recommend cleaning with a soft cloth and mild pH neutral soap when necessary. The Natural Gemstone Company can provide matching pieces, custom cutting, orientation services, and measurement certification to support production needs, and our quality control records document origin and enhancement status for this Italian coral. Please contact us with intended mount dimensions and design tolerances so that we may confirm fit and reserve this natural specimen for your project.