The Royal Palace of Portici, in Naples, recently hosted Reborn from the Roots, an international gathering promoted by Massa Gioconda that brought together companies, creators, and specialists from the worlds of jewelry, art, and design around a material as ancient as it is alive: coral.
More than a conference, the event was conceived as a space for dialogue between diverse worlds, where organic matter became the link between artisanal tradition, contemporary creation, and corporate culture. A shared journey to understand how materials such as coral continue to inspire stories, visions, and collaborations without borders.
Joan Roca and Maison Roca: Knowledge, Material, and Narrative
Representing Maison Roca, Joan Roca took part in the gathering, offering a dual perspective: that of the expert gemologist and that of the designer who understands material as a primordial element and a vehicle for emotion. In addition to his talk, he presented an artistic work conceived specifically from coral, which became one of the conceptual pillars of the event.
The piece takes The Iliad as its starting point and explores the emotions and relationships of four emblematic characters: Achilles, Patroclus, Hector, and Andromache. Through ellatus secundum (moro) coral, natural conch pearls, and African ebony, Joan Roca constructs a symbolic language that speaks of strength, humanity, love, and loss.
The intense red of the coral evokes blood, passion, and the violence of war, while the pearls, with their soft and organic tone, represent skin, fragility, and human emotion. Each character is defined by the contrast between these two materials: the fury of Achilles, the recklessness of Patroclus, the courage of Hector, and the silent pain of Andromache, over the loss of Hector, her husband.
The result is a work that transcends the object to become a narrative, highlighting how coral can be far more than a jewelry material: it can be memory, symbol, and emotion.
Living Tradition and a Contemporary Perspective
Reborn from the Roots also placed the spotlight on other natural materials such as turquoise and cameos, addressing key issues including the preservation of artisanal knowledge, traceability, and the responsible use of raw materials. In this context, gemology was reaffirmed not only as a scientific discipline, but also as a tool for cultural understanding.
This way of understanding jewelry—based on respect for materials and a deep knowledge of their origin—defines the philosophy of Maison Roca and was shared by Joan Roca with attendees, with a particular focus on the sustainability of sensitive materials such as coral and natural pearls.
An Open Dialogue Between Past and Present
Ultimately, the event became a space for exchange among professionals who share a common sensibility: the conviction that the future of creation lies in an honest and contemporary reading of its roots, and in respect for the environment.
The gathering at the Royal Palace of Portici has been documented across various media, capturing both the reflections and the unique atmosphere of this dialogue between art, matter, and time.
We invite you to discover the full video of the event and immerse yourself in this shared experience centered around coral.
