What is Mikimoto famous for?

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.

What is so 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.

Is Mikimoto a luxury brand?

Mikimoto Pearl Company offers some of the absolute BEST luxury pearls in the world. Since its inception in 1901, the Mikimoto brand has by turns astonished and dazzled the world, and shows no signs of stopping.

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.

Is Mikimoto expensive?

Because Mikimoto has the name recognition, many people are drawn to the Mikimoto pearls. I remember asking my first pearl professor at the Gemological Institute of America why Mikimoto pearls are so expensive and she said, simply, "the name."

Behind the Brand - Mikimoto

Do Mikimoto pearls hold value?

Generally there is no, or very little pawn value, unlike gold jewelry. Miki's retain value based on the condition of the pearls, having the original clasp, box and paperwork. Buying pearls as an investment isn't the best choice. Probably natural pearls retain their value best over time.

Is Mikimoto cheaper in Japan?

Remember you can get 5% tax refund in Japan on purchases above 10,000 Yen and with a high value, the refund can be meaningful. Thanks! I found the Mikimoto prices in Japan to be cheaper than the Mikimoto prices in Hong Kong, if that's any indication.

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. It is in a Mikimoto original box.

Which is the best pearl in the world?

White and Golden South Sea pearls are the largest and most luxurious of all cultured pearl types on the market today. Often called the “Queen of Pearls”, South Sea pearls feature a gorgeous palette of natural Golden and White colors that shimmer with delicate overtones and are simply unmistakable.

How old are Mikimoto pearls?

Mikimoto's first pearl boutique opened in Ginza more than 120 years ago, and we have been serving an international clientele ever since. We pride ourselves on our commitment to provide the finest level of hospitality and services expected of one of the world's leading jewelers from Japan.

Is Akoya and Mikimoto the same?

If you know much about pearls, you've heard of the fabled Mikimoto brand. These cultured Akoya pearls are considered by many to be the Rolls Royce of pearls. Sometimes mistaken for a type of pearl, Mikimoto is actually a brand name famous for selling Akoya Pearls.

What are most expensive pearls?

South Sea Pearls Value

South Sea pearls are considered the most valuable. They are also the largest pearl variety on the market. A strand of South Sea pearls can range from $1,000 to over $100,000.

How are Mikimoto pearls rated?

Mikimoto pearls rank in the top 5 percent of pearls sold worldwide and are the only pearls with an industry recognized rating system, ranking their pearls from A+ up to AAA rating.

What is the hallmark for Mikimoto?

All Mikimoto jewellery is marked either with Mikimoto or the trade mark M in an Akoya oyster shell and either a silver or gold mark. The silver marks vary from S, SIL, Sterling, Silver, 950. If it is not marked with a Mikimoto mark it cannot be said to be genuine.

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.

Why are pearls strung on silk?

Pearls are a soft gem which means they can be easily abraded or scratched if they rub against each other over a period of time. Stringing pearls on silk thread and knotting between each individual pearl provides protection from constant rubbing which could cause damage to a pearl's surface.

What is Blue Lagoon Mikimoto?

Mikimoto Blue Lagoon pearls were developed to capture pearl market share without competing with Mikimoto's pearl brand found in its company stores. Technically speaking, pearls are graded by their pearl luster, pearl body color, pearl shape and pearl overtone.

Are Akoya pearls good quality?

While the akoya pearl is considered to be (overall) more rare and valuable than the freshwater pearl, it is only the third most valuable commercially produced pearl, falling behind South Sea and Tahitians. It is still common to find top-quality akoya pearl strands retailing for more than $10,000, however.

Are Akoya pearls cheaper 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.

How can you tell if Mikimoto is real?

2) Look for the trademark M

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.

Do pearls lose their value?

Natural or Cultured Pearls

Of all these attributes, the most important is LUSTER! If a pearl has bright, crisp, sharp, and glowing luster then it is beautiful and therefore valuable. If a pearl displays low, soft or chalky luster then the pearl is not nearly as beautiful and is automatically downgraded in value.

What does vinegar do to pearls?

"The calcium carbonate in a pearl reacts with the acetic acid in vinegar to produce calcium acetate, water and carbon dioxide," Jones wrote in the current issue of the Classical World journal, detailing her research.