Majorica
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Majorica pearls or Mallorca pearls are one type of imitation pearls. They are the only brand name imitation pearls that the public recognize.
First made on the Spanish island of Majorca in Mediterranean over a century ago, Majorica pearls are worldwide recognized for its quality and perfection.
Majorica pearls are not formed in a mollusk but are man-made on a solid glass balls coated with a special paste:
1. They begin from dull glass of high density with specific weight similar to that of the fine pearls.
2. These nuclei are then dipped into a special, pearly liquid called "hemage,” an adhesive paste made of oil and ground up fish scales or mother-of-pearl for their iridescence.
3. After dipped in the hemage, the coated nuclei are dried and polished by hand to remove imperfections such as bumps and blemishes.
4. This coating process is repeated (around 29 times) until a multitude of fine layers is formed over the nuclei to build up the density and color uniformity.
5. To assure durability, the formed, blended multiple layers are subjected to various gases and solutions that make them impervious to discoloration, chipping, or peeling.
Majorica pearls are different from oyster pearls.
• Majorica pearls are man-made in the factory under strict controls of the manufacturing process; oyster pearls grow in nature with frequent irregularities uncontrolled by man.
• It takes only several weeks to produce a Majorica pearl while it takes years to obtain a sizable oyster pearl and only 5% are gem quality pearls.
• Majorica pearls lack individuality as every Majorica pearl is perfectly matched and round-shaped whereas no two oyster pearls are alike. Oyster pearl’s peculiarity stems from its certain blemish just like birthmark or fingerprint.
Majorica pearls are fake pearls. No matter how well they resemble nature, it still lacks some characters that only nature can create. If you want authentic pearl jewelry, cultured freshwater pearl may be the alternative choice you can afford.
