Are Mikimoto pearls always knotted?

They are 6mm pearls about 16" long with a sterling pearl clasp. The pearls are not knotted in between each, just strung. There is no "M" stamp or any other mark indicating that it is a Mikimoto besides the papers that came with it.

How can you tell if your pearls are Mikimoto?

Within the clasp of any Mikimoto necklace, bracelet or earring set, there should be the trademark M for Mikimoto engraved into it. There should also be either a silver or gold mark underneath the M. The silver marks vary from S, SL, Sterling, Silver, 950.

Why are some pearls not knotted?

To prevent their shell from chipping, pearls are often separated by knots. Not all pearls are knotted, though. Fake pearls usually don't have a surface that is as sensitive to pressure and rubbing, and that's why they don't need knots. Often, low-quality pearls are also not knotted.

Are real pearls always knotted?

Real pearls will be individually knotted. This means there is a tiny knot between every pearl. The knots prevent each pearl from rubbing against another and protect against loss if your strand breaks. However, high-end fake pearl strands are often knotted between each “pearl”.

What is special about Mikimoto pearls?

Mikimoto has its own proprietary grading system for their pearls, and only carries pearls with excellent luster and thick, fine quality nacre. Mikimoto's Japanese Akoya pearls are sourced from the top 5% of each yearly harvest, and then sorted into their various grades from there.

Mikimoto Pearls: How to tell if my Mikimoto Pearls are authentic?

Do Mikimoto pearls hold their value?

Mikimoto pearls are investment quality pearls. They will hold their value and increase, like a Steinway Piano, which increases in value each year.

Are Mikimoto pearls overpriced?

Even a simple strand of Mikimoto pearls can set you back thousands of dollars. And the princes only get higher the more intricate the pearls. Therefore, we're inclined to say that Mikimoto really isn't worth the money — save your money and stick to the fake stuff.

How can you tell real pearls from fake pearls?

Rub the pearls to check surface feel

Both natural and cultured pearls have textured surface due to their layered nacre structure. So when you rub the pearls lightly against each other or on your front teeth, they feel a little gritty. Fake or imitation pearls, however, usually feel smooth or glassy.

How can you tell the difference from real pearls and fake pearls?

Simply take the pearl, and gently rub it along the surface of your tooth. If the pearls are real, you'll feel a grittiness similar to sandpaper. In other words, there will be a great deal of friction. If the pearls are fake, on the other hand, it will feel smooth as with plastic or glass.

How often should you restring pearls?

Pearls should be restrung every 24 months depending on the frequency of wear. An indication if pearls need to be restrung is by assessing the knots between each pearl. If they appear to be stretched or frayed, it's time to restring.

Do real pearls turn yellow?

Yellow pearls typically indicate that pearls are real since artificial pearls don't normally change color. While natural white pearls can yellow with age, there are such things as naturally yellow pearls. These naturally yellow stones are yellow not because of their age but because of the way they have been cultivated.

Do real pearls flake?

Unfortunately, because pearls are delicately formed layers of calcium, they can flake if they're damaged. To prevent your precious pearls from peeling, keep them away from harsh chemicals or cosmetics and don't allow the pearls to rub against each other.

How do you clean Mikimoto pearls?

Wash pearls in distilled water with mild baby soap using a soft, natural bristle manicure brush. Support the jewelry and rinse with distilled water only. Pat off excess water and spread pearls flat to air dry; do not move until they are completely dry. Polish with a dry, soft cloth.

What's the difference between cultured pearls and freshwater pearls?

Freshwater pearls grow in lakes, ponds, and rivers, and are one type of cultured pearl. Cultured pearls refer to all pearls that involve human intervention, including freshwater and saltwater pearls. The majority of freshwater pearls are grown in China, and may even be called Chinese freshwater pearls.

How much is an old pearl necklace worth?

A traditional strand of white pearls can range from $100 (Freshwater pearl necklace) to $10,000 (Akoya pearl necklace). A strand of large, flawless South Sea pearls could even be valued as high as $100,000+ .

How do you clean yellowed pearls?

Are oysters alive when you get pearl?

Oysters that can produce pearls only once could be released back to the oceans but they are rather killed and sold for their meat and other parts. And the ones that could be nucleated again might die by accident when the pearl is cut out.

Are small pearls worth anything?

The value of a pearl can vary dramatically depending on many factors, such as pearl type, size, color, surface quality, and more. A wild pearl will be worth more than a cultured pearl. So, how much are pearls worth? To keep it short, on average, a pearl's value ranges from $300 to $1500.

How do I know if my pearls are worth anything?

The qualities that determine the overall value of a natural or cultured pearl or a piece of pearl jewelry are size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and—for jewelry with two or more pearls—matching.

What are fake pearls called?

Fake pearls are also called “faux”, “costume” or “imitation”. They can be made of glass, plastic, or fish-scale imitations. For example, "majorica pearls" are a form of fake pearls. There is nothing in them that rightly allow them to be called pearls.

Is Akoya same as Mikimoto?

Sometimes mistaken for a type of pearl, Mikimoto is actually a brand name famous for selling Akoya Pearls.

What are the grades of Mikimoto pearls?

There are four Mikimoto grades: A, A+, AA and AAA, with AAA being the highest quality. There are also four sub-grades: A1, A+1, AA1 and AAA1. The "1" represents a slightly more blemished surface.

Is Mikimoto a luxury brand?

Mikimoto is an international luxury company, recognized as the first producer of cultured pearl jewelry. The worldwide brand is known for its superior craftsmanship, design and strict quality control.