4.90 Ct. Coral from Italy

This piece is an opaque coral carving of 4.90 carats, executed in an oval outline with precise dimensions of 18.26 by 13.02 by 3.29 millimeters, presenting a classical cameo composition in salmon and white. The cutting style is a deliberate carving cut, with the white layer raised in relief against the salmon ground, demonstrating clear material zoning that is characteristic of Mediterranean coral. Color intensity is assessed as medium, indicating a balanced saturation that retains nuance between the warm salmon body and the creamy white relief, and the surface finish is described as excellent polish, yielding a soft waxy luster that accentuates the carved planes and hairline details. There are no enhancements recorded, the specimen is natural and untreated, and provenance is Italy, which in this material often reflects traditional coral harvesting and carving practices. The craftsmanship shows controlled removal of the ground layer to maximize contrast while preserving consistent thickness for structural stability, and the oval format follows gemological tolerances that make the element ready for direct mounting or further workshop adaptation.

From a gemological and material science perspective, this coral is an organic biomineral composed predominantly of calcium carbonate in the aragonite form, with physical properties that dictate specific handling and setting strategies. Hardness is modest relative to silicate gemstones, positioned in the lower range on the Mohs scale, and specific gravity and response to abrasives reflect the need for conservative lapidary interventions. The carving was executed using fine pointed tools and progressive abrasive grades, culminating in a final hand polish that removed micro abrasions without compromising relief edges. The excellent polish quality reduces frictional sites that can catch on fabrics, and the even polish across both the raised figure and the background ensures coherent light reflection, which enhances the perceived depth of the cameo. Color grading at medium intensity signifies that the piece will respond favorably to warm metal tones, with yellow or rose gold enhancing the salmon field, while platinum or white gold will draw attention to the white relief, offering clear design directions for bespoke jewelry integration. Because the material is soft and sensitive to acids and heat, setting recommendations favor protective bezel mounts, closed backs for cabochon style stability, and low profile seats for rings, while pendants and brooches benefit from secure seats and supportive adhesives only when applied by a professional jeweler experienced with organic gems.

Provenance and artisanal attribution add further value to this specimen, The Natural Gemstone Company presents this coral as a consciously sourced Italian material, carved in a manner consistent with Mediterranean cameo traditions where relief depth and hair and facial modelling are produced by incremental removal of the overlying layer. The piece embodies both aesthetic and technical merit, with relief transitions that are crisp without excessive undercutting, preserving structural integrity for jewelry use. For collectors and designers who prioritize conservation of original workmanship, the recommendation is to avoid aggressive reworking, and to commission minimal surface refresh polishing only when strictly necessary, performed by a lapidary familiar with organic substrates. Care instructions include avoidance of ultrasonic and steam cleaning, prevention of prolonged exposure to household chemicals and perfumes, storage in a soft lined compartment away from harder gemstones, and routine inspection of any mounting to prevent impact damage. For bespoke mounting options, matching palette suggestions, or access to our workshop partners, contact The Natural Gemstone Company for technical consultation and measurement verification, our team can provide tailored mounting plans that respect the material properties while maximizing the cameo s aesthetic and wearable longevity.