Continuing Our Legacy: The Ohrid Pearls Tradition Passed Down from Grandfather to Father

As we mentioned earlier, the Kajak.mk team is dedicating the month of March to the women of Macedonia who make small contributions with significant impact on the development of domestic tourism. Today, our traveling caravan is in Ohrid, where we are sharing the story of Marija Fileva. Her family is known for creating the unique Ohrid pearls that adorn many women around the world.

Marija states that producing the Ohrid pearl is a family tradition that she and her brother Dimitrija continue today, as the fourth generation of masters carrying on this legacy.

For nearly five years, they have been dedicated to designing modern jewelry pieces featuring the Ohrid pearl. They create a variety of jewelry types, showcasing the essence of Macedonia as a center for jewelry craftsmanship.

To create Ohrid pearls, scales from the "Plashica" fish, which are found in the stunning Lake Ohrid, are utilized. Using a special technology that Marija claims is a family secret, the fish are processed until the desired final result is achieved.

Foreign tourists are thrilled by the jewelry and the extensive variety of products and designs available to them. They are captivated by the ongoing commitment to preserving this rich tradition. 

What sets these pieces apart is the use of traditional techniques, such as filigree. 

In addition to their craftsmanship, tourists are also impressed by the interior of the shop. The unique design enhances the experience, telling the story of the artisanship on display. The shop features intricate walnut and wood carvings, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the people, city, and country.

In their family, there is no gender inequality, and the stereotype that the craft is passed down only to male children does not apply. In their workshop, all the children learned the craft from their father, Pavel. He, in turn, learned the craft from his father, Mikhail, continuing a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

Marija states that pearls are part of their tradition, along with filigree, which their father introduced. She mentions that they are making significant efforts to promote Ohrid and its lake pearls. Marija believes that many countries are already familiar with these pearls, as evidenced by the orders they have been receiving from around the world.

This shows that there are still people in Macedonia who appreciate tradition. This is something for which Macedonians can be proud globally.

You can easily find their products on their Facebook page by clicking HERE. 

March 8th is approaching—women, mothers, and girls... What’s your story? Share it with us at [email protected].