Coral carving activity reached a great development in Italy as early as 15th century. Jewish artisans from Trapani, Sicily, were the first to start the activity of coral fishing and manufacturing, especially for the realisation of holy objects. When the Jewish communities were forced to leave Sicily because of the Argons domination, they moved to Naples, Livorno and Genoa, where their art was soon appreciated and assimilated by local craftsmen.
Torre del Greco craftsmen have been following the same manufacturing process since the mid-19th century, making a detailed selection of the materials in order to obtain the best possible result to create fine processed stones and jewels.
Historically speaking, there are two main kinds of coral manufactures: liscio (smooth), characterized by geometrical and linear shapes, generally used for fine jewels, and inciso (carved), for carvings and engravings. The mastery of the artisans makes the best of the chromatic hues as well as the stone’s natural shapes, in order to make these creations unique in their beauty.
«Without knowing it, I sailed over inestimable richness for a long time.»
Massa Gioconda manufacturing combines traditional techniques and innovation, creativity and expertise. Each loose stone or carving is the result of a patient and meticulous artistic work, which gives the final creation originality and grace. In a single word: emotions!
The characteristics of the materials make exclusive shapes and colours possible, while craftsmen give them stylishness and elegance: the cutter analyses the piece, tries to glimpse the final result, follows the veins of the stone and emphasises its natural beauty.
Each step has its precise order, from the choice of the raw piece to the cutting, from the selection of the size to the polishing phase.
