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Discover the Art of Mediterranean Coral
In the heart of Alghero, the city famous for its Mediterranean red coral, our workshop continues to preserve an ancient art: the artisanal crafting of Corallium rubrum.
Dal 1962, la bottega orafa Agostino Marogna Gioielli seleziona e trasforma questo prezioso dono del mare in creazioni uniche, unendo tradizione e design contemporaneo.
The Coral of Alghero:
A Mediterranean Excellence
In the center of the Coral Riviera, our city sees coral not just as a tradition but as its distinctive identity.
The coral of Alghero is recognized among the most prized in the world thanks to its particularly slow growth, which creates an exceptionally compact and homogeneous structure.
Its shades, ranging from delicate salmon to intense vermilion red, are the result of a unique natural process: just as the flamingo gets its coloration from the small crustaceans it feeds on, our Corallium rubrum owes its chromatic range to zooplankton (larval stage of crustaceans) that it consumes.
The rarity of this precious material is protected by strict regulations: only 12 authorized divers can harvest it, exclusively from May to October, with a daily limit of two and a half kilograms and respecting a minimum diameter of one centimeter at the base.
For more than 40 years, the collection of Corallium rubrum has been prohibited from 0 meters to 80 meters in depth.
This attention to sustainability ensures the preservation of this natural heritage for future generations.
Discover the magic of coral
We invite you to explore our collection of coral jewelry and discover how this ancient art can interpret your personal style.
In our atelier, you can admire up close the mastery of this technique and choose the jewelry that best represents you.
Dopo l’acquisto: evitare il contatto diretto con acqua, profumi e creme. Dopo averlo indossato, pulire delicatamente il gioiello in corallo con un panno in micro-fibra morbido e asciutto, prima di riporlo nell’astuccio.
Mediterranean Red Coral:
A Unique and Precious Heritage
The Mediterranean Red Coral, known as Corallium Rubrum, is a treasure of the sea that distinguishes itself for its unique characteristics in the world.
80% of the coral harvested in the seas of Alghero has a prized orange tone, while the more intense red, particularly rare, represents a small percentage of the harvest.
Both the light and dark first-choice coral maintain the same high quality standard: the price difference is determined solely by the rarity of the color, not by structural characteristics.
Heart of the sea
crafted with passion
Sustainability and Respect
for the Raw Material
In our atelier, every fragment of coral tells a story of respect and awareness.
The crafting of this precious gift from the sea follows a precise philosophy: nothing is wasted, every part finds its ideal destination.
This is not just an economic choice, but a deep respect for a natural resource as precious as it is limited.
The Art of Optimization
When a branch of coral arrives in our laboratory, a careful evaluation process begins.
We study each individual section to maximize its potential: the larger parts can be transformed into main elements such as cabochons or drops, while even the smallest fragments find new life in delicate decorative details.
This meticulous optimization reflects our responsibility toward a resource that nature offers us in increasingly limited quantities.
The value of Mediterranean coral is not only measured in economic terms – although it is considerable – but above all in terms of natural and cultural heritage.
Each piece we work on carries with it the responsibility to preserve and pass on an art that speaks of sustainability and respect for the sea.
Artisanal crafting techniques of Mediterranean red coral
Coral crafting requires not only artisanal mastery but also a deep understanding of the material.
We exclusively use water-based machinery, a fundamental choice since coral is extremely sensitive to heat and can undergo irreversible chromatic alterations.
The process begins with the delicate removal of the coenosarc, the fleshy membrane that hosts the polyps and protects the scleraxis, thus revealing the true beauty of the material.
The creative process of Mediterranean red coral
Selection and Evaluation
In our artisanal laboratory in Alghero, each branch of Mediterranean red coral is carefully examined for:
- Purity of the crystalline structure
- Intensity and uniformity of the natural color
- Creative potential of the original shape
- Unique characteristics that will determine its final destination
The Art of Cutting and Preparation
The first phase of crafting requires a deep understanding of the natural structure of the material, where:
- The use of water-based machinery protects the natural color of the coral
- The initial sectioning determines the creative potential of the piece
- Roughing and drilling follow the natural structure with precision
- Each piece is studied to maximize the value of the raw material
Artistic Crafting Techniques
We apply different specialized techniques:
- Artistic Carving: To create cameos and decorative details
- Precision Turning: To create perfect spheres and geometric shapes
- Sculpture: To enhance the natural shape of the coral
- Engraving: To add refined decorative elements
Polishing and Finishing
The final phase of crafting represents a crucial moment where the true beauty of the coral emerges in all its magnificence. Each piece receives:
- Specific treatments to enhance the natural color
- Traditional polishing that preserves its integrity
- Accurate quality control checks
- Detailed authenticity certification