Product
education
Massa Gioconda recognizes the importance of respecting and preserving these natural gifts, actively promoting environmental sustainability and product education.
For the production of our stones, Massa Gioconda exclusively uses five species of corals that are not at risk of extinction: the red coral of the Mediterranean (Corallium rubrum) and four varieties of the Pacific (japonicum, elatius, secundum, konjoi). These corals come from deep waters and are different from the madrepores of tropical coral reefs, which are fragile, unworkable and whose trade is strictly forbidden.
Our corals are harvested from stable marine ecosystems, far from risk areas. By doing so, we ensure a sustainable manufacturing process that respects the environment, utilizing only non-threatened species and contributing to the preservation of ocean ecosystems without compromising their future sustainability.¢¢
The corals we use come from established marine ecosystems, far from at-risk areas. In this way, we ensure a processing method that respects the environment, using only non-threatened species and contributing to the protection of oceanic ecosystems without compromising their future sustainability.
Today, the Mediterranean red coral fishery is governed by strict regulations, developed by FAO's General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) in collaboration with Member States. These regulations aim to ensure the sustainability of the resource and protect marine ecosystems by promoting eco-friendly fishing practices. The GFCM has established binding guidelines, including limited licenses, fishing quotas, and biological rest periods to encourage colony regeneration. Thanks to these measures, the conditions of coral populations have improved, allowing them to thrive in different areas of the Mediterranean.
Pacific Ocean


Evolution of Coral Fishing in the Mediterranean
In the Mediterranean, coral fishing has ancient roots, dating back to 1000 AD. Traditionally, it was practiced using a large tool called "ingegno" or "St. Andrew's cross," which consisted of a wooden cross tied to nets that tore coral branches from the seabed. Over time, this practice was replaced by more sustainable methods, such as spearfishing. This method allows licensed divers to manually select the most mature coral branches, leaving the younger ones to aid in the regeneration of the species. Today, the Mediterranean red coral fishery is governed by strict regulations, developed by FAO's General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) in collaboration with Member States. These regulations aim to ensure the sustainability of the resource and protect marine ecosystems by promoting eco-friendly fishing practices. The GFCM has established binding guidelines, including limited licenses, fishing quotas, and biological rest periods to encourage colony regeneration. Thanks to these measures, the conditions of coral populations have improved, allowing them to thrive in different areas of the Mediterranean.
Coral Fishing in the Pacific Ocean
In the Pacific Ocean, coral fishing also has a long tradition, especially in countries such as Taiwan, Japan, and China. Here, fishing techniques have become increasingly sophisticated, using underwater boats equipped with mechanical arms to collect coral branches at depths of more than 200 meters. However, growing demand and environmental threats have led to the regulation of fishing, under the supervision of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which restricts the import and export of certain coral species.
Sustainable Practices
Material Selection
Massa Gioconda is committed to treating coral with the utmost respect, adopting strict selection criteria to ensure the sustainability of the materials used. We only select coral branches longer than 30 cm, considering that coral grows approximately one centimeter every three years. This allows us to work with mature materials without compromising the growth of the colony.
Circular Economy
Massa Gioconda has developed an innovative approach to the reuse of waste materials. Coral flakes and powders, often considered waste, are transformed into new products through a circular economy process. The Herbelia company is one of the partners to whom we send coral powder for the production of unique cosmetics, taking advantage of the beneficial properties of coral.
Social Commitment
Some of the materials that cannot be sold are donated to the Don Orione Rehabilitation Center in Herculaneum for the creation of artistic projects. In our near future, we plan to establish new collaborations with local organizations to raise awareness and educate more and more people about coral.
Custodian of nature





