Ohrid Pearls ()
There is a small town in North Macedonia vying for the next top spot in your jewelry box. European queens and princesses have been seen wearing pearls from Ohrid in the last decades, but only recently have they become popular with mainstream tourists (not that North Macedonia is a conventional destination).
The pearls’ unique structure is a well-kept secret. They are created by forming a small ball with mother-of-pearl from local shells, then coating it with multiple layers of a mysterious emulsion. Only one ingredient of the emulsion has been divulged: scales from the plasica fish (or Ohrid trout), which is only found in Lake Ohrid and only harvested in the winter.
To add to the mystique, two Ohrid families have maintained the secret for the last 100 years. With four shops in Ohrid and unique pieces that incorporate pearls into silver settings, the Filevi family workshop offers a wide variety of jewelry styles. The Talevi family has a small workshop focusing on traditional single pearl drop and strand necklaces. Their store is along the Old Bazaar Street where you can shop for other traditional souvenirs like pottery, woodcarvings and religious icons.
Prices are based on the size, quality and number of the pearls. Macedonian Denar (MKD or ден) is the currency in North Macedonia. Expect to pay about 800ден ($15) for a lovely, small single drop pearl necklace, 2,500ден ($45) for a pearl pendant with silver filigree, and 5,500ден ($100) for a nice strand of small pearls. Large intricate pearl strands can be in the hundreds.
If you can’t make it to Ohrid, both families have online shops:
