What is a "soufflure de perle"?

[FrenchPearl]

Hi all,

Do you know by chance what are "soufflure de perle" ? Are they "soufflee pearls" like the one that were recently sold on PP (hollow inside) or natural pearls?

I was intrigued when I saw a post from Dawn about a beautiful pin,
https://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8351&page=4 Post #49

as there has been 2 similar pins on ebay france for a few weeks, referred as "soufflure de perle"

Since those pins are circa 1900, would the "souffle " technique existed at that time ?

This is for education only, as I'm not interested in bidding (if you are, ping me if you need help for the translation)



http://www.ebay.fr/itm/Ancienne-epi...YO_Bijoux_BijouxdeChemise&hash=item2a34d89bb9



http://www.ebay.fr/itm/bijoux-ancie..._BijouxMontres_Pendentifs&hash=item51b60b7ca8

 

[pearlescence]

Google translates Soufflure as blister, which sounds about right. But that is not a very pretty pearl. I don't think it is a blister pearl either, just not a pretty one. Most probably a natural.
Souffle pearls are only maybe three or four years old.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I quite liked the original pearl pin that Dawn posted-- these two a bit less, but I'd still love to be able to see their luster in person.

 

[MSC]

I love both of these! They're like french bulldogs, ugly but cute somehow. I've wanted a pearl piece like this for a while...

 

[KarinK]

I like them too, a lot of character and history. Would love one for a pendant - some day

- Karin

 

[FrenchPearl]

@ Wendy: Thank you for your answer! It makes sense that it's likely to be a natural based on age. I got thrown off by "soufflure" that also means some type of " bubble" (like air blown into a pearl like a glass bubble) and the similarity of the word "souffl?" (blown). I did not like them at first, but they kind of crept on me and I had to know more about them. thanks !!

I think the comparison with a French bulldog is spot on and hysterical ! cute and ugly at the same time... lol

I'm adding them to my list too

 

[pattye]

Intriguing pearls~someone has spent many hours covering the blemishes; would love the examine these in person, too. Agree with Wendy, not blisters, likely naturals.

 

[LitGeek]

They do have a certain charm don't they I bet the pearls are much prettier IRL than the pictures show.

 

[battah]

I kind of love those, they're fun!