About the pearl factory (Mallorca): who is suitable for a tour, what jewelry to buy

17.10.2016

The production of artificial pearls makes life much easier for fashionistas. For a long time, pearl earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings were only available to members of the elite. Along with the invention of technologies for making synthetic pearls, representatives of different social circles became owners of exquisite jewelry.

However, man-made pearls are not necessarily cheap. An example of luxury jewelry is Major pearls. The high price due to its non-natural origin is easily explained.

Firstly, Spanish majorica pearls belong to the organic class due to the materials from which they are made.

Secondly, the size of the pearls is quite large, and the shape is almost perfect, which makes the jewelry look like jewelry made from natural stone without the slightest flaws.

Thirdly, the technology for producing Mallorca pearls is complex, labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Pearl Factory

Jewelry from the famous brand has been produced on the island of the same name in Mallorca, since the formation of the new city of Manacor. The main production combines a store. More than 250,000 tourists annually visit the factory halls on excursions. In one place are located:

large store;
manufacturing enterprise;
showroom.

Pearls in a shell

You can visit the store at any time. You can see various collections there. The product appears on the shelves directly from the official enterprise, which is located nearby. Open daily at any time of the year. Excursions are held quite often; you can find out more details, dates and prices on the website.

The showroom is a specific space in which the best products, outstanding and most popular types of Mallorca stone, the very first products and other exhibits are presented. You can visit it at any convenient time.

Important! Mallorca is one of the very first factories that learned how to make high-quality pearls without using oysters. The latest technologies and the complexity of the work done have a positive impact on the quality of products.

What exactly are Mallorca pearls? This is the fruit of painstaking and complex work. Professionals have long tried to achieve natural shine and shimmer, rich color. The creation process is completely similar to the formation of pearls inside an oyster, which contributes to the production of the highest quality stone.

A visit to the enterprise may be of interest to true jewelry connoisseurs, collectors, as well as people who are interested in the process of transforming an opaline crystal into a pearl. It is the same for both the biologist and the scientist.

In total, the factory employs more than 300 people. The main office is located in the center of Barcelona. One of the brand's branches is located in New York. It is popular in more than 100 countries, with more than 3,000 points of sale distributed throughout the globe. The various collections, consisting of more than 600 products, are regularly updated 3-4 times a year. All products are made from:

925 silver;
become;
organic pearls.

The jewelry also contains various coatings, inserts of gold, precious stones and more. Sometimes synthetic stones created in a laboratory are used. It was founded in 1890 and is still in great demand.

Showcases with pearls

Majorica pearls - myths and reality

A search at the Masters Fair returns 1,120 works only for the query “Majorika”. According to the search for “Mallorca Pearl” there are another 6,757 works, and there are also “Mallorca Pearl”, “Mallorca Drop”, “Mallorca Bead” and a lot of other combinations. There are plenty of works with this type of pearl at the Crafts Fair.

But is all that glitters gold? Let's figure it out.

Until recently, to be honest, you would have found my work in the results of these queries.

And in the summer we vacationed on the island of Mallorca. And this time I very successfully put together an excursion route :), inviting the family to visit the Dragon Caves in the city of Porto Cristo (I highly recommend it; in addition to fossils, there are lakes in the caves, one of the lakes among the largest underground lakes in the world). Why exactly there? Because 100 meters from the entrance to the caves a new exhibition center of the Majorika company was opened. This center was my goal for the trip.

I have always wondered why pearls (and today we will talk about cultured pearls) purchased from different suppliers varied so much in quality. After all, they are called the same - Majorica pearls. It was this surprise that brought me to the manufacturer. Who, if not the original source, will help you figure it out?

A company employee kindly took me around the center and told me about the company and the production process (outsiders are not allowed into the factory itself).

So, the Majorica company was founded in 1890 by Edouard Heusch. In love with the Mediterranean Sea, fascinated by pearls, the alchemist was the first in the world to come up with a revolutionary technology for creating artificial organic pearls. The technology is so unique that even today only the Majorica jewelry brand can boast of 100% organic cultured pearls.

Majorica pearls are a crystalline core of mineral mined from the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. The core is covered with numerous layers of pearl essence - mother of pearl. It is mother of pearl, obtained from the organic elements of the Mediterranean Sea, that gives the pearl its shine and iridescent shimmer.

A bead is smelted from the mineral, a process very similar to lampwork. The mineral is heated to a certain temperature (about 600 degrees, the exact temperature is unknown, as this is a company secret), and a bead is created, on which mother of pearl is then applied. After each layer of mother-of-pearl is applied, the pearls are thoroughly polished. The creation of a pearl goes through 25 stages of strict quality control, the company claims that their pearls are the perfect pearl: perfect in color, iridescence, luster, texture and strength.

The company carefully preserves its history - a very interesting exhibition about the company’s past is open in the center.

Majorica jewelry is made in 925 sterling silver, steel and 750 gold with mandatory decoration with pearls.

Since 2016, the company has released a series of accessories - bags, scarves and glasses.

And now attention: original Majorica pearls are not sold as individual beads and are used exclusively to create jewelry and accessories of the Majorica brand. Therefore, when purchasing jewelry or accessories with these pearls, you must be given a certificate of authenticity.

All other artificial pearls are called Shell pearl. What is the difference between mother-of-pearl pearls and Majorica pearls? The composition and number of layers of mother-of-pearl. For example, on the same island of Mallorca there is another factory producing similar pearls - the Orchid factory. The pearls of this factory have an inorganic interior, glass or plastic. Also, few other manufacturers can boast of so many layers of mother-of-pearl - there are 25 of them in Majorica pearls!

But is it worth focusing on Majorica pearls? You decide. Every action has its own goals. Products with mother-of-pearl pearls are much more attractive in price than Majorica pearls. Someone chooses products, someone chooses a name

* The quality of the photographs of jewelry and bags suffers a little - the products were behind a glass display case.

Characteristics of pearls

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Visitors are always wondering what Mallorca stone is without traditional use in jewelry? This is a unique recreation of a real product that was previously extracted only from shellfish. Currently, it is an element that goes through numerous stages of exposure to chemicals. The birth process of a pearl bead can take from 10 days to one month. To fully complete the creation, each of them undergoes numerous checks and tests. A total of 25 controlled parameters. For July 2022 the following are checked:

color;
low tide;
strength;
resistance to physical perception and more.

Note! The most popular Mallorca beads are a unique product of high quality. They are made from pearls that have passed all tests and tests. The rest are subject to write-off from production.

The jewelry itself can contain several different types of stones:

Natural. In another way it is called wild. This is a type of pearl that is obtained from the animal world. Scientists call the process of stone formation in an oyster a phenomenon. Today there is a ban on this type of extraction, so Mallorca resorts to artificial cultivation.
Organic pearls obtained through synthesized growth. This type fits the definition of the well-known stone pearls of the Major factory. The Japanese were the first to try to cultivate pearls, back in the 12th century.
Cultured pearls are specially made nuclei that are colored with paint. This type predominates in costume jewelry and simple decorative works.

In fact, Mallorca beads are a mixture of organically grown pearls with other materials. For example, thread, steel chain, silver chain, and other decorative elements in the form of beads can be used. This product can be bought at the Mallorca factory-shop. Their high strength will protect you from falls and other physical impacts. Natural shine, tint and color are carefully checked by experts. Only perfect products make it into jewelry and onto store shelves.

Beads on a mannequin

On the official website of the brand you can see a wide range of different jewelry, ranging from bracelets to various types of beads. It is recommended to buy in a physical store in order to fully experience the product and be convinced of its beauty. You can order by phone or on the website.

There are several types of pearls. One of the most popular is Baroque. They differ in tint and color. There are a large number of different beads, so it is convenient to choose a decoration that will match your clothes.

Brief information about Mallorcan pearl technology

To make a pearl, an opal glass ball is repeatedly dipped into a special paste made from fish scales. Next, the future pearl is alternately polished and coated with mother-of-pearl essence. The process is repeated until a perfect spherical bead is obtained. The exact recipes for the paste and essence are a closely guarded secret. Only the main ingredients involved in production are known, and the full list and proportions of the necessary components are still kept secret.

Tips from experienced tourists

Numerous reviews of this place indicate that it is worth a visit. The exhibition hall and store are open to the public and can be viewed during business hours. The production itself is a closed area offering excursion tours accompanied by guides. People who truly appreciate quality pearl products must visit this place. It belongs to the main attractions and heritage of Spain.

Soller (Mallorca)

What are Mallorca stones in jewelry? These are unique decorative elements that will help make any piece of jewelry more colorful and unusual. Textured pearl beads easily complement any look. They can be combined with evening dresses and formal suits. The unusual properties of stones will allow you to forget about careless handling of them. They are distinguished by high strength and extraordinary appearance. Many tourists who have visited Mallorca recommend purchasing a product from the factory of the same name.

Note! The island attracts not only with the popularity of the brand, but also with its extraordinary landscape, warm sea and clean beaches. Famous for its unique view of the sea from the top of the rocky shores and serpentines. The predominant hot, maritime climate with pleasant weather. High temperatures are not felt as much due to the humidity in the air.

What is a must see on this island?

Aquarium of Palma de Mallorca;
Valldemosa;
Bellver Castle;
Dragon Cave.

A visit to the pearl factory is a must. Only here it is grown naturally.

Majorca

Spain is famous not only for its branded products, but also for its nature, landscapes, the warm Pacific Ocean, and the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

A good holiday in Spain means relaxing on the beach, visiting attractions and visiting the main pearl factory. This is the most popular brand around the world. Products can be purchased in 3 thousand stores in 100 countries.

Advanced technologies are used to grow organic pearls. Subsequently, the products undergo many stages of testing and testing.

After visiting the tour, you can purchase the product in the store located next to the main factory. You can also order jewelry online on the official website. The exhibition hall is open every day. It is worth visiting to get acquainted with the versatility of pearls and products. One of the world's leading brands invites everyone to visit its production.

WHAT ARE MALLORCA PEARLS

Major pearls (variant names: “majolica”, “majorica”, majorica) owe their name to the manufacturing company of the same name, Majorika. It is not difficult to guess that the brand name comes from the name of an island belonging to Spain.

It was here in Mallorca, in the city of Manacor, that in 1890 a Spanish jewelry company patented the production of organic pearls. It was considered interesting that pearl mussels did not take a direct part in this process.

Majorika brand jewelry is very popular in Europe.

The Queen of Spain wears “island” pearls. The company creates jewelry props in films with historical themes.

Know-how in pearl cultivation

Mallorca pearls are distinguished by their ideal color, brilliance and texture. And all thanks to the company’s use of advanced technologies and strict quality control of finished products.

The process of creating pearls from Mallorca is quite painstaking and time-consuming. It takes 10-30 days to create one unit.

Pearls are created as follows:

Step 1. Making a small porcelain or glass bead, which is then attached to a special holder.
Step 2. The artificial Mallorca pearl is immersed in a special composition with mother-of-pearl, after which it is dried for 40 minutes.
Step 3. The half-finished organic ball is irradiated with ultraviolet light.

The described stages are repeated 25-30 times until Mallorca acquires the ideal color and shape.

THIS IS INTERESTING. The special composition in which the Mallorca bead is immersed is called pearl essence. This liquid consists of natural pearl powder, fish scales and oils. We recommend: How to distinguish SAPPHIRE from a FAKE

Artificial or not

Pearls that are “grown” by a shell are considered natural. Consequently, Mallorca pearls are artificial, and the entire process of their creation is completely controlled by man.

The characteristics of Mallorca beads are absolutely identical to natural organic pearls of the highest class. This fact is confirmed by studies conducted in GIA laboratories.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is an independent non-profit organization. Its activities are aimed at controlling the quality of precious stones and protecting the rights of global consumers.

Advantages and disadvantages

Many women around the world choose Mallorcan pearls for everyday wear and attending special occasions.

Traditionally, the advantages of the brand are:

VERSATILITY. Jewelry made from Mallorcan pearls will suit almost any outfit.
DURABILITY AND PRACTICALITY. The average lifespan of Mallorca with proper care is 10 years. Compared to natural samples, such specimens have an important advantage: they are more durable, their surface is smoother.
APPEARANCE. The correct shape and noble luster of mother-of-pearl make Mallorcan pearls almost indistinguishable from natural organic pearls. The difference is obvious only to specialists.

Spanish pearl products also have disadvantages:

BRITTLE SURFACE LAYER. Natural pearls are expensive precisely because of their structure. In products from Mallorca, the base adheres to mother-of-pearl less firmly. For this reason, if there are strong impacts or damage, the top coating of the pearl may chip.
LESS MAGICAL AND HEALING PROPERTIES inherent in natural minerals.

A small number of disadvantages are compensated by the ease of care for products made from Mallorca pearls.

Color spectrum

To give the products “pearl stones” of Mallorca an original color, natural dyes are used: iron, copper, manganese.
As a result, the finished Mallorca beads are colored in shades of green, red, pink and purple.
The classic color is, of course, white with a pearlescent undertone.
The company is also engaged in the production of black pearls, so rarely found in nature.

WHAT MAGIC AND ASTROLOGISTS SAY

Natural pearls have long been considered a symbol of youth, beauty and health. Darkened stones warned their wearer about health problems. The pearl was also a talisman for family and marital relationships.

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Many jewelry connoisseurs are sure: stones from Mallorca, although considered artificial, have all the properties of natural pearls.

Esotericists and astrologists attribute pearls to the water element. Therefore, jewelry with mother-of-pearl beads is suitable for signs under the protection of water: Pisces, Scorpios and Cancers. Spanish pearls will protect the owner from evil people and thoughts, and will help you make the right decision.
Fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) are better off wearing pearls set in gold. This is because these signs are too impulsive, and the noble mineral may not withstand their temperament.
Earth signs (Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus) should not wear pearls every day - this can cause discord in the family and undermine health. It is better to wear iridescent jewelry only for a special event. The same recommendation is relevant for air signs: Aquarius, Libra and Gemini.