This is a vintage Japanese untreated pink (Momo) coral cherry blossom brooch with the original box.
The sticker in the box says “genuine coral guaranteed”.
Natural color, untreated not dyed.
Japanese pink coral is beyond rare and has been virtually unavailable for decades.
This brooch has persimmon 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 coral.
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 39x22x8.5t mm
Total weight:8.3g
Mint condition
There are some scratches on the metal part, but no problem with the function.
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.
