OUR
ALABASTER
WORKSHOP
Our alabaster is a result of millions of years of natural formation in Northern Italy.
The abundant natural deposits in the region are globally recognized for their exceptional qualities, including compactness, transparency, intricate veins, and exceptional hardness.
MINING
OUR
ALABASTER
Recovered from underground quarries, the valuable areas are assessed through core sampling and depth calculations, which then determine the inclinations of the tunnels.
The tunnels and galleries of the quarries, reaching depths of up to 280 meters, and intertwine densely for dozens of kilometers throughout the area. Their layout has been recorded for centuries on a single large map. According to recent evaluations, alabaster deposits still remain very rich throughout the region.
The extraction of the alabaster nodule is always done manually: using a pneumatic hammer or pickaxe, the piece is freed from the ground and detached from the clay bench enclosing it, then further cleaned with a small pick.
The abundant natural deposits in the region are globally recognized for their exceptional qualities, including compactness, transparency, exceptional hardness and intricate veins.
There is an unparalleled beauty of the process of our stone-cutting artisan who prepares the pieces for the second artisan who continues the stone-carving by hand until its final form.
Our artistans perpetuate centuries-old traditions that lie at the core of their legacy, drive by a ferver for craftsmanship that spans generations.
Guided by the hands of skilled master artisans, each piece is meticulously turned from solid stone, revealing a flawlessly pure, white translucency complemented by subtle brown accents.
The distinct pattern on each light fixture is shaped by the inherent qualities of the stone itself, brought to life through the expert use of traditional stone-carving techniques with roots dating back to 1895. The pattern is record of its 6 million year journey to you. Impossible to predict.
FINISHING
What makes our alabaster truly distinct, is that we retain the natural qualities of the stone. Using only natural materials like wax when finishing.
Polishing is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood aspects of alabaster work. Since the 1950s, many pieces have been coated in synthetic polyester resins, which are inexpensive, glossy, and waterproof but prevent the alabaster from breathing, aging naturally, and showing its transparency, veining, and color. Polyester often yellows over time.
Instead, our alabaster is finished by slowly heating it over embers and coating it with “sparmaceto,” our custom mixture of oil, wax, and tallow. Multiple applications are used until our iconic shine and softness is perfect, and is followed by cotton buffing using cloths that have been passed down through generations.
TO THE
TRADE
A beautiful, authentic way to stay connected and inspired together.
As a member of our trade program you'll be the first to know about new arrivals from Italy, as well as get a note from the studio or our artisans.
It's a really special look inside our Made in Italy story.