2.44 Ct. Coral from Italy

This piece is an expertly carved oval salmon and white coral weighing 2.44 carats, with precise dimensions of 14.01 by 10.11 by 2.90 millimeters, resulting in an elongated oval ratio that favours classical cameo proportions, and an actual mass of approximately 0.488 grams. The material is opaque with a defined bicolour layering that the lapidary has deployed to its fullest advantage, leaving a warm salmon ground with a medium colour intensity and a crisp white relief representing a stylised female profile. The cutting style is a carving cut executed in bas relief, where the white outer layer has been selectively removed to model the high points of the portrait, and the remaining salmon layer forms the background, producing a high contrast cameo effect without resorting to staining or other modifications. The edges are smoothly blended into the base oval, and the 2.90 millimeter thickness confirms a delicate yet serviceable thickness that suits pendant and brooch applications while requiring protective mounting for rings.

From a craftsmanship perspective the cameo displays controlled tool work and refined surface finishing, indicating a practiced hand and an understanding of coral anisotropy. The relief depth has been judged to maximise three dimensionality without compromising structural integrity, and the facial planes, hair curls, and shoulder contours are rendered with tight, shallow gouges for crisp definition, followed by progressive abrasion with fine grit to remove chatter and machining ridges. The final stage of finishing has achieved an excellent polish, creating a satiny lustre on the white relief and a slightly glossier sheen on the salmon ground, a combination that emphasises the contrast and detail. The carver appears to have worked with the natural growth orientation in mind, reducing the risk of cleavage or flake out, and the cameo demonstrates uniform polish retention across the surface, indicating careful heat management and avoidance of aggressive tooling, which is critical for organic material like coral.

Physically the coral behaves as an organic gem with a Mohs hardness in the lower range typical of coral, and a specific gravity consistent with natural Mediterranean coral varieties, and as supplied this item has no enhancement, confirming that the colour and surface are entirely natural and unaltered. Origin is Italy, a region with a long heritage of cameo carving and Mediterranean coral sourcing, and this provenance contributes to both aesthetic and collectible value. For setting recommendations consider a bezel or closed back mounting that protects the thin edge and disperses stress, avoid high impact ring settings unless additional reinforcement is provided, and favour pendants and brooches where the cameo can be displayed and supported. Care recommendations include avoiding exposure to acids, bleach, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged immersion, using only mild soapy water and a soft cloth for cleaning, keeping the piece away from perfumes and cosmetic oils to preserve colour and polish, and storing it separately to prevent abrasion against harder gemstones. The Natural Gemstone Company offers this carved coral cameo as a natural, unenhanced example of traditional Italian lapidary art, and we provide condition and provenance details to support informed acquisition by collectors and jewellers who prioritise craftsmanship and material authenticity.