This is a vintage Japanese untreated pink (Momo) coral rose brooch with the original box.
Natural color, untreated not dyed.
The highest carving skill of the craftsman can be seen in this brooch.
Japanese pink coral is beyond rare and has been virtually unavailable for decades.
This brooch has angel skin pink color, one of the most desired colors in pink coral and highly valued.
There are some white spots in the pink coral where the white core shows through. This is a typical feature of Japanese pink momo coral.
The rose is delicate and realistically carved from a large piece of pink coral. This kind of precious coral only grows 1-2 mm per year.
It is very difficult to find Angel skin (momo) coral jewelry in such a massive size these days, and especially with such high quality carving.
Like most large carved coral pieces, this one has some cracks and small holes. These are natural imperfections. But the piece is set on a metal base and it will not break easily.
The metal parts were specially made by hand to fit the coral cabochon.
Carved coral jewelry was popular in Japan until the 1980’s.
Carved coral items were mostly made for Obidome (decorations for kimono belts).
But since Japanese coral has now been unavailable for decades, the coral sculptors have also disappeared. It is getting more and more difficult to find carved coral jewelry these days and the prices are rising.
Especially pieces that show the highest level of craftsmanship are most desired and expensive.
size:about coral part 41x23x12t mm
Total weight: 12g
Mint condition
Please keep in mind that Japanese coral almost always has a few cracks, dimples and small holes, that usually don’t stand out.
Most Japanese deep sea coral has cracks, which come from the change in water pressure when the deep sea coral is harvested and pulled to the surface.
However it does not break easily, and it’s no problem for wearing it.
