4.56 Ct. Cabochon Coral from Italy

This listing from The Natural Gemstone Company presents a single, high quality oval coral cabochon weighing 4.56 carats, with measured dimensions of 16.65 by 10.66 by 3.32 millimeters. The gem is opaque, displaying an intense orangish red hue that is uniform across the table and dome. The oval outline is well proportioned, with gently tapered ends and a balanced length to width ratio that suits both classic and contemporary settings. Visual inspection under standard lighting shows consistent saturation with minimal tonal zoning, and the surface exhibits an excellent polish that produces broad, soft highlights without mirror like reflective banding. The specimen is natural, with no enhancement, and its Italian origin is confirmed, which contributes to both its provenance and its desirability among collectors who value Mediterranean corals for their stable, saturated hues.

From a lapidary perspective this coral exemplifies precise cabochon craftsmanship. The cutter preserved a low to medium dome height to maximize the depth of color while maintaining a comfortable profile for bezel and prong settings, the dome curvature is symmetrical across both axes, and the transition to the girdle is gradual, reducing stress concentration during mounting. The polish has been executed to a high gloss using progressively finer abrasives and final rouge or jeweler grade polishing agents, resulting in a smooth, reflective surface without polishing pits. Internal features typical of natural coral, such as subtle growth banding and minute calcareous inclusions, are present but do not detract from the overall visual integrity, they instead confirm natural formation and absence of dye treatments. No fracture filling, impregnation, or heat alteration has been applied, ensuring the material remains in its original state, and the opacity of the stone mitigates issues related to light transmission, allowing the color to read uniformly in most viewing conditions.

For practical use and longevity, the coral responds best to protective mounting strategies and routine maintenance. Given coral hardness in the lower range of the Mohs scale, caution is advised when choosing ring settings for daily wear, a bezel or partial bezel will protect edges and reduce exposure to knocks, while more open designs work well for pendants and earrings where impact risk is lower. Cleaning should be limited to gentle wiping with a soft cloth and a mild detergent solution, avoiding ultrasonic and steam cleaners which can damage organic structure. When planning a design, consider warm metal tones such as rose gold or yellow gold to complement the orangish red saturation, and use neutral or low sparkle accent stones to avoid visual competition with the coral s warm, even color. The Natural Gemstone Company quality assurance covers accurate description of weight, dimensions, cut style, and origin, and we recommend laboratory documentation if buyer requires formal certification for insurance or appraisal. This cabochon offers a combination of natural origin, meticulous workmanship, and strong color presence, making it suitable for collectors and designers seeking an authentic Italian coral with fine lapidary execution.