Manufacturing of coral jewellery

coral workshop torre del greccoThe town of Torre del Grecco in Italy is most famous for workmanship of coral, and has  long tradition in working precious coral.

processing coralCoral branches (here Corallium rubrum) are first sectioned (process called spalliatura in Italian) using a circular saw. It is later rough-shaped (called aggarbatura in Italian) using a grinding wheel with carborundum.

coral manufacturingThe coral is later shaped more finely using an electric carbondundum lap, and may later be drilled. Ornamental pieces are sculptured by specialist craftsmen.