4.49 Ct. Coral from Italy

This specimen is a finely executed oval coral cameo, weighing 4.49 carats and measuring 17.83 by 12.96 by 3.02 millimeters, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company. The material displays an opaque body with a dual-tone palette, a salmon colored ground and a white overlay, exhibiting medium color intensity across the field. The cutting style is carving, executed as a relief cameo rather than a faceted gem, which leverages the natural layering within the coral to produce a high contrast, sculptural portrait. The piece is of Italian origin, and it is important to note that no enhancement has been applied, the color is natural and untreated, and the surface displays an excellent polish that accentuates the material density and the crispness of the carved edges. From a gemological perspective the opacity and the distinct two-tone zoning are consistent with Mediterranean coral varieties used historically for intaglio and cameo work, and the listed dimensions place this example in a size range well suited to brooches, pendants, and larger ring settings.

The carving technique demonstrates controlled removal of the salmon ground to reveal the white layer as raised relief, indicating precise depth control during the carving process, and a deliberate use of the biological stratigraphy of the coral to maximize contrast. At 3.02 millimeters total thickness the blank required careful planning to achieve sufficient relief height while maintaining structural integrity, and the execution shows fine delineation in the hair curls and facial plane, modest undercutting to enhance shadowing, and tight finishing around the perimeter to preserve silhouette clarity. The polish quality is described as excellent, which in organic gems translates to a smooth, waxy to resinous luster that highlights tool marks removal and the seamless transition from high points to background plane. The cameo orientation is traditional, with the profile occupying the central longitudinal axis of the oval, allowing symmetrical mounting and balanced visual weight in a frame. The absence of faceting places emphasis on surface topology and silhouette crispness, attributes that bespoke stone setters and lapidaries should consider when designing a complementary bezel or openwork gallery.

From a practical handling and setting perspective there are several technical considerations to bear in mind. Coral has a Mohs hardness in the lower range around three to fours depending on composition, and it is an organic, anisotropic material that is more susceptible to abrasion and chemical attack than silicate gems, so protective settings and conservative wear recommendations are advisable. The piece should not be exposed to heat sources used in soldering operations, strong acids, or ultrasonic cleaning, and standard practice is to use warm soapy water and a soft brush for routine cleaning. For mounted applications a bezel setting with a slightly raised gallery or a secure closed back will protect the cameo profile and distribute impact forces away from thin relief points, while a low-profile open-back mount will preserve translucency effects in shells or other light reactive materials, although this cameo is opaque. The combination of natural, untreated color, Italian provenance, and skilled relief carving makes this coral cameo particularly suitable for collectors and designers who prioritize authenticity and artisanal technique, and The Natural Gemstone Company can provide additional measurements, viewing angles, and mounting recommendations upon request.