41.07 Ct. Coral from Italy

One beautiful opaque 41.07 carat freeform coral, dimensions 50.84 by 20.07 by 6.85 millimeters, equivalent to 8.214 grams, presents a refined example of Mediterranean material sourced from Italy. The piece displays a two tone palette of salmon and white with a medium light color intensity, and it is offered in a freeform shape that has been hand worked rather than faceted, therefore the cut is recorded as not applicable. The surface has been brought to an excellent polish, producing a satiny to subtly waxy luster that is characteristic of high quality natural coral, and no enhancement has been applied to alter the body color or surface, confirming that the chroma and tone are wholly natural. The form includes a deliberate carved leaf motif with integrated rounded terminals, showing both positive relief and smooth convex planes that reflect the lapidary skill involved in transitioning from the coral blank to a finished ornamental element.

Technically the piece should be considered as an organic gem with the handling and setting considerations that this classification entails, and the material integrity is consistent with mature, dense Mediterranean coral which yields a uniform compact skeletal structure rather than porous calcified material. The medium light intensity of the salmon hue is distributed in a soft gradation into white, providing natural color zoning that can be exploited in design, and the absence of dyeing, bleaching, oiling, or stabilization means that the piece retains original porosity and moisture equilibrium, which is desirable to collectors and connoisseurs who prioritize untreated provenance. The thickness of 6.85 millimeters affords sufficient depth for secure bezel retention and for carved detail to read clearly under normal viewing, while the length and width dimensions support use as a central component in pendants or brooches where orientation and grain direction can be optimized to reduce stress points. From a hardness and durability perspective the coral should be treated as having an approximate Mohs hardness of 3 to 4, and the balanced yet delicate relief work requires that setting and wear avoid sharp impacts, sustained abrasion, and exposure to high heat or aggressive chemicals that can bleach or fracture the organic structure.

For the jeweler or designer seeking to integrate this coral into a lasting object, specific mounting strategies will enhance longevity and aesthetics, and they can be specified in technical terms. A fully enclosed bezel with a slight overlap of metal on the edge will protect the lateral ribs and carved leaf tips, while a shallow collet with interior adhesive rated for organic stones can be employed when open back lightness is desired, taking care to use museum grade adhesives that do not off gas or discolor over time. Warm metals such as 18 karat yellow gold or rose gold will harmonize with the salmon tone and accentuate the white areas, whereas palladium white metals will create a contrasting modern look that highlights the two tone nature of the piece. Polishing and finishing during setting should be done with non abrasive compounds and under magnification to preserve the excellent lapidary polish and to ensure that the rounded beads remain symmetrical and free of tool marks. Routine care instructions include gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and a diluted mild soap solution, avoidance of ultrasonic and steam cleaners, storage away from harder gemstones that could scratch the surface, and protection from household acids and perfumes that can alter the surface sheen.

The Natural Gemstone Company presents this untreated Italian coral as a collector grade example of Mediterranean organic gem material that is appropriate for both museum quality jewelry and for advanced lapidary reuse in bespoke commissions. For clients who require additional technical information we can provide high resolution imagery from multiple angles, cross sectional imaging to evaluate internal banding if requested, and recommendations for custom fittings and protective settings tailored to the intended use. Please contact The Natural Gemstone Company for specification sheets, mounting templates, or to discuss commission options to incorporate this 41.07 carat freeform salmon and white coral into a refined finished piece that respects both the material properties and the lapidary craftsmanship evident in this example.