The house of Morà creates exquisite eyepieces crafted from various marbles and semiprecious stones. In 2017, this collection was included in our roster’s latest iteration. We were specifically drawn to the collaboration between Morà and the infamous Patrick Hoet. As opticians, we scout collections not only based on their aesthetic merits, but also on their technical prowess. This ensures pristine quality where lens mounting, adjustments, and final comfort are concerned. Combining marble elements with raw or polished carbon, this collaboration achieves full adjustability – a remarkable feat in considering the solid stones involved.
The production starts with the careful selection of the stone slabs. Only those without the slightest crack, break, or surface imperfection are used. To create an ambitiously eye-catching frame, slabs containing expressive veins and textures are selected. After the first cutting of the plates by very high-pressure water jets, a series of manual interventions are conducted to protect the marble in view of subsequent processing (for example, making sure to avoid breaking apart the material’s groove patterns). This is a slow process, done strictly by hand, that alternates between hot and cold phases to consolidate the stone material.
The slab, previously roughed out, is then subjected to a first sculpting with state-of-the-art technology, utilizing a digitally controlled mechanical micro-scalpel. A perfect incision is created. The extremely delicate phase of bonding the sheet of carbon (by means of a special proprietary resin) to the stone is then initiated, followed by progressive drying in three different ovens over a number of days.
The carbon used is developed in collaboration with experts in the Air Force and professional racing (Formula 1) in order to obtain an indestructible structure that is then treated with antibacterial and hypoallergenic paints, to ensure the greatest comfort and hygiene when resting on the skin.
A second phase of micro-metric sculpting is initiated, during which the frame assumes its final shape. The initial 2.0cm monolith is finally transformed into a 0.8mm sheet.
The frame is then finished by the skilled hands of Morà’s stone craftsmen, technicians who are rigorously trained to work with cultural heritage. With a goldsmith’s lens, needles, and micro-brushes, any remaining pores in the stone are polished by hand. Finally, the material is polished for at least two additional days to reach the effect commissioned by the customer (e.g., glossy, brushed, or matte).