Majorica pearls in Manacor: what’s behind them and whether they’re worth seeing
Almost everyone who visited Mallorca in the 80s or 90s brought back a necklace. The pearls came from Manacor, and the label said Majorica. They are still around, and a visit to the factory is a good reason to stop in the city.
Von Thorsten Kambach2 Min. Lesezeit
In diesem Beitrag 7 Abschnitte
What Mallorca pearls are
Majorica pearls are not cultured pearls from mussels. They are manufactured: a core is coated layer by layer with a mother-of-pearl-like coating, polished, and hardened. The result shines like a real pearl, is perfectly round, and is significantly more durable. The brand refers to them as "organic pearls," meaning the material of the coating.
The story: a German in Manacor
The company was founded in 1890 by German engineer Eduard Hugo Heusch, who came from Aachen and initially manufactured artificial pearls in France. In Manacor, he found what he needed: craftsmen accustomed to fine work. Production moved to the island, and Manacor became the pearl city. The brand has borne the name Majorica since the 1960s. Today, there are several pearl manufacturers in Manacor.
The visit
The flagship store in Manacor was renovated a few years ago. In addition to the showroom, there is a small museum area with historic pieces and a section where you can see how pearls are treated and strung. Admission is free, and half an hour is enough. If you want to buy: prices range from a simple bracelet to a necklace that costs more than a week's car rental. Look for a certificate and guarantee, then you'll know you have the original.
How to combine the trip
- Manacor: market on Monday, church, workshops. More in Around Manacor.
- Porto Cristo: 15 minutes away, with the Dragon Caves and Coves dels Hams. See Dragon Caves Porto Cristo and Caves on Mallorca.
- Rafa Nadal Academy: on the outskirts of Manacor, with a museum, described in Tennis on Mallorca.
This way, a morning becomes a whole day in the east. In the rain, the combination of pearls, caves, and the harbor is particularly good, more ideas in Mallorca in the rain.
Souvenirs with local origin
Pearls are one of several things that are actually made on the island. These include olive oil, wine, Sobrasada, and Ensaïmada. What you are allowed to take with you: Mallorca customs. More about the oil: Olive oil on Mallorca.
Living in the east
Many of our fincas are located around Manacor, Porto Cristo, and Son Macià, with short distances to coves and caves. Houses there: Finca near Porto Cristo and Finca in eastern Mallorca.
Frequently asked questions
Are Majorica pearls real?
They are manufactured pearls, not cultured pearls from mussels. They are genuine Majorica pearls if they are sold with a certificate and guarantee.
Where are Mallorca pearls made?
In Manacor in the east of the island, where Majorica and other manufacturers are based.
Is there an entrance fee for visiting Majorica?
No, the showroom with the small museum area is free.
Who founded Majorica?
German engineer Eduard Hugo Heusch, in 1890.