Majorica’s case, an artificial pearls industry (1902-2005)

Abstract

Necklaces and valuable articles of imitation jewellery, international influence, exportation progress, brand image, traditional female work, own technology. All this is Majorica. To mention it means to evoke an outstanding company with and added value: imitation pearls. The island of Majorca, place of production, gives the name to the firm. Its quality is well known on the international markets: from the European to the North American and the Asiatic ones, throughout all continents. In local terms, Majorica is Manacor: the company is and has always been based in this town, which is located at the East of the island. Majorica’s activity has conditioned the social and economic life of the place for more than a century. In this paper, readers will find details about the economic history of the company, based on its files and records (including letter copiers, book-keepers, and various quantitative and qualitative materials), and even on graphics and audiovisuals recordings that had been thought lost forever.