An Unexpected Start to the Pearl Business
Every company has its story, and things often turn out differently than expected. This is no different for DIE PERLE. Founder Mag. Josef Eckhardt started as a career changer, but with a lot of passion, good connections, and a firm will to succeed. We conducted an exciting interview about how it all began, what obstacles had to be overcome, and where the pearl experts stand today, which offers interesting insights.
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Challenges are there to be overcome
There were also some challenges at the beginning. Josef Eckhardt, for example, tells of a huge trade fair they visited in Hong Kong in 1999. With 3500 suppliers, it was very difficult to navigate and make the right contacts. Some companies DIE PERLE wanted to work with simply couldn't be found. However, they did get in touch with a company at the fair that turned out to be a wonderful and friendly partner. Another problem was that hardly anyone in China knew how to export goods to Austria. Here, father Eckhardt benefited from his experience. Many people in Hong Kong associated something positive with the name Mozart. When the "Pearl family" offered genuine Mozartkugeln, the ice was quickly broken.
Jeanette Kosch found dealing with the competition in Austria particularly difficult. Initially, little was expected of the new company; false information was spread, and DIE PERLE was even badmouthed in newspaper articles. The fact that the business succeeded despite the headwinds was due in no small part to the dedication of father and daughter as a team. It was clear to both of them: they would become true experts and learn everything about pearls and their processing. They immersed themselves completely in the topic and became respected pearl experts.
From Sole Proprietorship to Family Business
Today, DIE PERLE is a well-established family business, founded by father Josef Eckhardt and managed by his daughter Jeanette Kosch. The charming Jeanette developed a passion for beautiful jewelry early on. At the age of 16, she inherited a pearl necklace from her great-grandmother. Initially, she was the only one of her age with such a piece, but ten years later, designs and preferences had changed. Pearls suddenly became trendy and popular among her generation too. Her start at DIE PERLE was initially driven by youthful enthusiasm. However, father and daughter complement each other well and have always managed and developed the business with good judgment. The redesign of the pearl showroom in Vöcklabruck a few years ago is the work of Jeanette Kosch. She first had to convince her father, the numbers whiz, of its necessity. But it was worth being persistent. Everyone who enters the store immediately feels the special atmosphere. Because here, a true world of experience around special pearls and jewelry has been created.
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Enthusiastic customers and great successes
Today, DIE PERLE has long found its leading position and can show impressive successes. In addition to the retail and wholesale business, there are over 80 first-class partner hotels where DIE PERLE jewelry is exhibited. The assortment is more than extensive, and wonderful pieces can be found for every taste and budget. Josef Eckhardt is particularly pleased that more and more men are discovering pearl jewelry for themselves. The greatest success is the contact with customers. Because many customers have become regular customers and true friends. Many have been coming back for years, and some even take special vacations in Vöcklabruck. For Josef Eckhardt and Jeanette Kosch, this is the most beautiful proof that their jewelry touches and inspires people.
Social Work - We are generous
Each year, we support more than 20 balls in the districts of Vöcklabruck and Gmunden with a raffle grand prize – an Akoya saltwater pearl necklace valued at €790. We adorn the graduating students with our beautiful loaned pearl jewelry. We also generously support regional associations and organizations with in-kind donations.
