What is Coral?

The Corallium Rubrum, or Red Coral, is a species of precious coral commonly found in shallow waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a colonial organism belonging to the class Anthozoa, specifically to the family of Stony Corals (Scleractinia).

Red Coral is distinguished by a wide range of shades ranging from pink to deep red, often enriched with orange hues. This diversity of colors is due to the presence of specific pigments within the polyp tissues, which can vary depending on environmental conditions and the health of the colony.

Red Coral is found along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, occupying a vast area that extends from shallow waters to some greater depths. Its presence can be observed along the coasts of countries such as Italy, France, Spain, Greece, and Croatia, where environmental conditions are favorable for its growth and development.

It is usually found at a depth ranging from 30 to 300 meters, although the most abundant and developed colonies tend to concentrate between 50 and 100 meters deep. This depth range offers an optimal balance of sunlight, water temperature, and nutrient availability, promoting healthy and robust coral colony growth.

The Coral of Sciacca has roots that sink into the distant past. The waters around Sciacca, in the province of Agrigento, were once a rich habitat for the growth of Mediterranean red coral, one of the most prized varieties in the world. This coral has played a significant role in the region's history, both as an economic resource and as a source of inspiration for local art and culture.

Ancient Mediterranean civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, considered coral a symbol of fertility, protection, and prosperity. Their majestic works of art, jewelry, and decorations often featured Sciacca coral as a central element.

The orange color of the Coral of Sciacca also reflects its unique natural environment. The crystal-clear waters around Sciacca, illuminated by the Mediterranean sun, influence the growth and development of coral, giving it its vibrant orange hue. This deep connection with the sea and land lends the Coral of Sciacca an aura of authenticity and natural beauty, making it even more precious and captivating.

The Moro Coral, known by its traditional Japanese name "Aka," is a wonder of nature that enchants with its beauty and deep red color. Originating from the waters of Japan, this type of coral is considered one of the most precious and sought-after in the world of jewelry.

The fishing of Moro Coral mainly occurs in various regions of the Pacific, with a significant concentration in the coastal waters of southern Japan. This area, known for its rich marine diversity, has become one of the main coral production areas worldwide.

Using submarines equipped with mechanical arms, fishermen can explore deeper and inaccessible areas, allowing for greater coverage and better management of coral resources. This technology can contribute to ensuring sustainable fishing in the long term, without damaging the surrounding coral habitats and thus preserving the health of the ecosystems themselves.

In the seas of Japan, expert divers explore the seabed in search of colonies of Moro Coral. Using specialized tools such as knives or saws, fishermen carefully select desired corals, paying particular attention not to damage the surrounding coral habitats. This approach aims to minimize the impact on the marine ecosystem and ensure sustainable fishing in the long term.

The rice grain gem is one of the most fascinating features of Moro Coral, known for adding a distinctive touch of beauty and authenticity to the coral itself. This calcareous formation, usually white or translucent white in color, appears as a small spot on the surface of the coral. Its shape and size may vary, but it is always considered a sign of quality and value.

In Japanese tradition, the rice grain gem has been associated with deep symbolic meanings. It is often seen as a pearl of wisdom or a precious gem that brings luck and prosperity to its owner. This has helped make Moro Coral with rice grain gem a desired object both for its aesthetic beauty and its cultural and spiritual significance.

The Coral "Bokè," commonly known as Angel Skin Coral, is a "marine gem" of enchanting beauty and ancient history. Its delicacy and timeless charm make it one of the oceans' most precious resources. Characterized by shades ranging from pale pink to intense pink, Angel Skin Coral exudes an aura of elegance and sophistication, captivating the eye with its natural luster and soft, silk-like texture.

Its beauty is not only superficial: each piece of Angel Skin Coral tells a story of slow and patient growth in the ocean depths. Its branched structures, created over centuries, are a testament to the strength and resilience of nature. Every ripple, every relief, bears witness to the coral's journey through ocean currents and unexplored depths.

In the past, "Bokè" Coral was largely overlooked and considered of little value. The term "bokè" itself, derived from Japanese and translatable as "stupid" or "insignificant," reflected this widespread perception. Our ancestors, in times when its delicate pink coloration might have seemed common or uninteresting, often attributed no particular value to it.

However, over time, Angel Skin Coral has undergone an extraordinary rediscovery. Through changing aesthetic tastes, evolving fashion trends, and increasing awareness of its rarity, this coral has emerged from relative obscurity to become one of the world's most coveted and sought-after gems. Its pastel pink hue is now appreciated for its grace and its ability to capture light in unique ways, while its rarity has added an aura of exclusivity and desirability.

Angel Skin Coral, scientifically known as "Corallium Elatius," finds its roots in the waters of the Pacific Ocean at depths not less than 250-300 meters.

Magay Coral is one of the hidden gems of the depths of the Pacific Ocean. With its stunning beauty and a variety of colors ranging from deep pink to bright orange, this coral enchants the eyes of observers and is renowned for its ornamental beauty.

The coloration of Magay Coral ranges from deep pink hues to vibrant shades of orange, creating a unique chromatic spectacle in the marine depths. This bright color is the result of the presence of organic pigments and zooxanthellae algae living within the coral tissues, contributing to its nourishment and vibrancy.

It is commonly found in deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, often at high depths ranging from 150 to 200 meters. This species is known to colonize rocky walls and underwater slopes, where it can benefit from the filtered sunlight penetrating the deeper waters.

Cerasuolo Coral or "Momo" has a rich and fascinating history, especially in Eastern culture, particularly in Tibet.

In Tibetan culture, coral is often associated with concepts of vitality, protection, and prosperity. It is considered a gift from nature and an amulet of good fortune. The vibrant color of cherry coral is seen as a reflection of the vitality and passion of life itself, while its hardness symbolizes stability and resilience.

Cerasuolo Coral or "Momo" is often used for creating sacred jewelry and religious objects in the context of Tibetan Buddhist practice. Necklaces, bracelets, and amulets made with cherry coral are considered powerful tools for protection and blessing. They are worn during spiritual practices to enhance concentration and awareness, as well as to attract positive energy and harmony.

In Tibetan culture, there is deep respect for nature and all its creatures. Cherry coral, being an integral part of marine ecosystems, is considered a precious gift from Mother Earth and, as such, should be treated with care and respect. This attitude of reverence towards nature is reflected in sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of marine habitats.

What makes this coral so extraordinary is its wide range of colors, ranging from vibrant orange ("Momo") to intense red (Cerasuolo). This chromatic variation, often accompanied by nuances and shades, gives the coral a unique depth and beauty. Its smooth and glossy surface elegantly reflects light, adding a touch of magic to any artistic creation.

The varieties of Pacific Pink Coral - Missu, Deep Sea, and Garnet - present themselves as distinct manifestations of timeless natural beauty. Each denomination carries a unique character, from delicate shades to deeper tones, offering a diversified range of possibilities for craftsmanship and jewelry making. These distinctive qualities open the doors to a world of creative exploration as artists find inspiration in the intrinsic charm of this gift from the sea.

Missu:

Discovered between the period from 1965 to 1979 and captured in various areas of the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the Midway area in 1965, these corals are distinguished by their coloring ranging from white to pink, with dotted or streaked accents of red. They are commonly found at depths ranging from 300 to 400 meters below the ocean surface. These oceanic marvels present themselves in the form of medium-sized fan-shaped colonies, offering a surprising spectacle in the mysterious depths of the ocean.

Deep Sea:

Deep Sea Coral is characterized by its red hue, which gradually fades into lighter shades as the branches thicken. The colonies, which can reach lengths of 50-70 cm, are arranged in both fan and parallel trunk formations, often compressed. This species inhabits depths ranging from 800 to 1500 meters below sea level, hence the name. A distinctive feature is the presence of polyps on only one side of the colonies, suggesting that small polyps, for protection from strong currents and depth, take refuge behind the branches of the coral colony.

Garnet:

Garnet Coral, first discovered around 1970, is distinguished by its intense pink-yellowish coloration. It grows at depths ranging from 500 to 700 meters below sea level, where environmental conditions contribute to its growth and development. The structure of Garnet Coral is characterized by flat and twisted branches, giving the colony a unique and fascinating shape. The colonies of Garnet Coral are similar to those of Mediterranean coral, with an arrangement that facilitates the capture of marine currents and the absorption of vital nutrients.

These corals belong to the species "Corallium Secundum".

White Pacific Ocean coral has its origins in the depths of the tropical and subtropical oceans of the Pacific region. The clear and nutrient-rich waters of these regions provide the ideal environment for the growth of this precious coral. It can be found at depths ranging from 100 meters to over 200 meters.

Distinctive Features: One of the most distinctive features of white Pacific Ocean coral is its bright white hue, which often exhibits shades of translucency that make it even more captivating. Its smooth and glossy surface reflects light uniquely, imparting timeless elegance to jewelry crafted with this coral.