How do you tell if pearls are Mikimoto?

How do I know that my pearl jewelry is authentic Mikimoto? Mikimoto jewelry is identified by the Mikimoto trademark, showing as the outline of an oyster or the engraving of the Mikimoto name. On necklaces and bracelets, look on the back of the clasp.

How can you tell Mikimoto jewelry?

You can always identify Mikimoto jewelry by our trademark, which is either the outline of an oyster or the Mikimoto name engraved on every piece. This engraved mark can be found in the following locations: Necklaces and bracelets: back of clasp. They are also fitted with a signature M charm.

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 I tell what kind of pearls I have?

Use a jeweler's loupe to examine the pearls. If each pearl on the strand is identical, they are not natural pearls. Look inside the pearl's drill hole with a jeweler's loupe. If you notice a dark line that separates the nacre from the bead nucleus, it is a cultured pearl.

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.

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

What Colour pearl is most valuable?

The 22K to 24K Golden tone is a "Very Deep" natural Golden color. Golden South Sea pearls featuring the 22K to 24K hues are the rarest and most valuable (all other factors being equal). Champagne Golden South Sea pearls are very rare. The Champagne color is a mix of very pale, 10K gold, Silver and Rose hues.

How much are Mikimoto pearls worth?

Mikimoto Akoya pearls can range from as low as $300 for a pair of 7.0mm Akoya pearl stud earrings to as high as $500,000 or more depending on the pearls and the collections you are looking at.

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.

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.

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+ .

What is Mikimoto pearl?

Mikimoto Pearls are the pearls of legend. The namesake behind the brand is Kokichi Mikimoto, who revolutionized the pearl industry when he patented the process for cultured pearls in 1916. Today, Kokichi Mikimoto is known in the pearl world as the King of Pearls, and his pearls live up to his name.

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.

Are Mikimoto pearls less expensive in Japan?

A strand might cost about $2,000, much cheaper than the bigger and rarer black-lip pearls, which can run $20,000 a strand. But a pendant with a single akoya pearl set in silver can run around $250 at Mikimoto in Tokyo. As a keepsake from Japan, it might make an investment worth keeping.

What is the best grade of pearls?

How do you tell if a pearl is natural or cultured?

The Tooth Test: Simply rub the pearl against your tooth, softly. If the pearl is natural or cultured, you will feel the surface as gritty. If the pearl is a faux gem, then the surface will feel smooth.

How often should pearls be restrung?

Check stringing of pearls and restring when necessary. 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 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.

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 good brand?

Mikimoto is one of the finest producers of Akoya pearls in the world and is widely recognized as the most prestigious pearl retailer in the industry. While Mikimoto's reputation for providing its clients with top-quality pearls is irrefutable, they also charge a considerable premium for their Mikimoto brand.

Do pearls increase in value?

Pearls with particular brand names will also retain (and even increase) their value over the years; vintage Mikimoto Akoya pearls that still have their original clasp, box and papers to establish provenance are very highly sought after today and continue to fetch premium resale values.

How do you clean yellowed pearls?

Why are some pearls so cheap?

As a matter of fact, according to the American Gem Society, most of the ocean's natural pearls have already been harvested by pearl divers. Therefore, even though the quality of a cultured pearl may be the same as that of a natural pearl, the cultured version is generally much more affordable because of its rarity.

What does grade AAA mean for pearls?

AAA Flawless pearl on at least 80-85% of its surface, with the remaining 15-20% containing only minor imperfections with one or two deep imperfections. AAAA Flawless pearl on at least 95% of the pearl surface, with 5% having slight concentrated imperfections. Luster. A Poor. AA Medium.