Vintage 14K Yellow Gold 15mm Round Coral Cabochon Earrings

Jewelry : Vintage : Coral : White : Angelskin : Ionian : Mediterranean : Earrings : 14kt

 

Vintage perfection. Delicious white Ionian (the very finest in the world) coral set into solid 14K round bezels make a perfect accent for any woman's ears. These non-pierced earrings each feature a perfectly matched, thick button cabochon that has been meticulously set into a heavy round bezel with a stylish second bezel below. While many women wear the screw back style nicely, some of us with less agile fingers prefer or need pierced fittings. We would be happy to retrofit this earrings to pierced 14K gold posts with butterfly backs for $20.00.

The diameter of each setting measures 15mm round by 11mm thick. The coral cabochons themselves each measure a uniform 12mm by 6mm thick. Their original non-pierced screw back fittings are thick, solid 14K gold, as well. Crafted in Italy for the U.S., they are stamped "K14". There are no striations or blushes or creaminess to the color of the coral. Their total weight is 7.0 grams.

We have seen confusion around the world and other sites as to the naming of coral colors. The primary colors of precious coral are red, oxblood red, salmon (peach), pink, angelskin, white, blush and everything in between. We tend to follow the designations of the fine Italian coral artisans, as they are the best in the world (as is their coral). All are Mediterranean and red is known as Sardinian, oxblood is more purplish red and usually also Sardinian, SOLID salmon or dark peachy pink is Sciacca, and SOLID pink is angelskin. This last one deviates from the origin of the name angelskin, which refers to the more white color with a uniform pink hue (like the skin of an angel). We also consider this to be angelskin as most of the world does (except the Italians, who call it pink coral). I have emphasized Solid above because this is the very finest coral in the world and the colors are very, very uniform. They may have a little black (crevasses) or white spots (veins) but are in general very uniform in color and the variances assure you the coral is undyed and natural. The degree of there uniformity is a grading consideration similar to how diamonds might be graded as to color. These SOLID colors (Sardinian, Sciacca, Angelskin) along with SOLID white (Ionian Sea and VERY, VERY rare as the lack of light to achieve pigmentation is only found at extreme depths) are the most precious and valuable corals in the world. Blush and other variations can also be precious coral (primarily if they are Mediterranean), although not quite as valuable as solid colors, but still investment grade, durable and beautiful. Black coral is becoming more popular and the finest grades are being found in the South Seas (Hawaii) and the Caribbean. It is less dense, but very pretty and unusual. Corals from other regions may be classified gem quality, but very rarely reach precious grade and should be much, much less expensive and valuable. Unless you are looking for non-investment grade, costume coral jewelry, avoid coral described as gemstone quality (AAA, AA, A, etc), sponge, apple, root, brain, Batti, dyed, treated, crushed, reconstituted etc.

Their condition is perfectly flawless and fabulous. The genuine coral cabochons are of Precious Ionian Coral quality, white in color, without any natural flaws, and with no damage, chips or cracks. We estimate their age to be 1950's-1960's.

Coral of this fine quality is no longer harvested. This palest and rarest shade of coral (Lophelia) is found in the deep depths of the Ionian Sea off the southern Italy coast. The coral beds for Ionian coral are now totally protected from bottom trawling and the coral is unreachable by divers. Ionian white coral is only found in a deepwater coral reef off Capo Santa Maria Di Leuca, Italy in waters between 2000 to 4000 feet. It is so cold and there is no light at this depth to produce the proteins that color coral, hence the totally unblemished white of this coral. It is very rare as it was hardly mined, and is considered the finest and most rare precious coral in the world.

Coral is the 35th anniversary stone and these earrings would make a fine and thoughtful gift choice. White coral is also an excellent choice for the bride, mother of the bride or wedding guest. These lovely earrings will be delivered in an elegant rosewood presentation box, perfect for gift giving and storage.

Item ID: C-1440

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Natural perfection.....from under the Sea.