Mikimoto
In 1893 Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world’s first cultured pearl. When Mikimoto’s homeland of Japan experienced increased foreign trade in the 1800’s, natural pearls became more treasured and coveted than at any other time in history. As a result, the pearl oysters around Mikimoto’s hometown of Ise-Shima were soon over-harvested to the point of near extinction. Believing the pearls should be protected at all costs; Mikimoto initiated extensive research on oysters and the process of culturing pearls. His goal: devising a methodology that would entice the oysters to create pearls, assuring that women everywhere could experience the gems’ unsurpassed beauty. For Mikimoto, it was the beginning of a lifelong passion, on that would require all his time and resources. Many years later, after many failures and on the brink of financial ruin, Mikimoto finally succeeded. The day he had been waiting for came on July 11, 1893. In the company of his wife Ume, he raised one of the bamboo oyster baskets out of the water, opened an oyster, and discovered a shining pearl.
Mikimoto offers several different types of cultured pearls. Their two most important distinguishing characteristics are luster and color. Variances are dictated by the type of oyster that created them.
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Akoya Cultured Pearls Have traditionally been a symbol of elegance and beauty. The most popular of all pearl types, they are prized for their brilliant luster. Origin: Japanese Coast Color Range: White, Cream, and Pink to Light Green, Blue and Silver Size Range: 3-10mm Distinguished by: High Luster and Rich Color |
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Strand with Earrings |
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Black South Sea Cultured Pearls Gleam with the sparkle of the ocean itself. These are some of the rarest on earth. The species iridescent black color on the inside lip of the shell is responsible for the spectacular dark color pearls it produces. Origin: Tahiti, French Polynesia and Okinawa Color Range: Light Grey, Silver and Pistachio to Peacock Green, Gunmetal Grey and Midnight Black with overtones of Green, Rose, or Blue. Size Range: 8mm and up Shapes: Round, Oval, Teardrop or Baroque Distinguished by: Breathtaking Color Range |
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl Strand and Earrings |
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South Sea White Cultured Pearls Has a silvery-white lip color on the inside of its shell which produces the fantastic white pearls. Origin: Northwestern Australia, Indonesia Color: Spectacular Opalescent Whites Size Range: 9mm and up Shapes: Perfectly Round, Oval, or Teardrop to the unique, more free-form Baroque Distinguished by: Magnificent, satiny luster and a subdued opalescent appearance which subtly changes under different light conditions |
Mikimoto South Sea White Pearl Necklace |
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South Sea Golden Cultured Pearls Has a golden lip color on the inside of its shell, producing rare, mysterious golden pearls. Origin: Indonesia and the Philippines Color Range: A Golden palette ranging from Light Champagne to a very rare-and most coveted- deep, opulent gold Size Range: 9 mm and up Shapes: Round, Oval, Teardrop or the unique Baroque Distinguished by: The only one that can make a golden pearl, it also has the ability to produce a white pearl. The deeper golden colors are considered the most exquisite and distinctive. |
Mikimoto Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace |
Mikimoto Grading System
Mikimoto pearls consist of the world’s top 5%. While imitation systems exist, Mikimoto literally sets the standard for grading the quality of cultured pearls. The Mikimoto pearl grading scale illustrates the system, with AAA representing the very highest quality. Mikimoto graders spend years becoming experts in assessing these gems of the sea.
| Quality | Luster | Surface |
| AAA | Exceptional, Mirror-Like | Reflection Blemish-Free Surface |
| AA | Superb, Clear | Reflection Very Slightly Blemished |
| A+ | Very Good, Clear | Reflection Very Slightly Blemished |
| A | Good, Clear | Reflection Very Slightly Blemished |
| A1 | Good, Clear | Reflection Slightly Blemished |
Signature Clasp
Mikimoto pearl strand and bracelets are fitted with a special signature Mikimoto clasp and the M-circle logo charm. These are the assurance of a genuine Mikimoto strand of pearls.
Jewelry Specifications
Metals: 18kt gold of platinum
Diamonds: High quality VS, G color or better
Colored Stones: All natural; no radiation or color treatments
Pearl Strands: Fine silk is used for all pearl stringing
Strand Lengths:
• Choker 16”
• Princess 18”
• Matinee 22”-24”
• Opera 30”-32”
• Rope 40” or longer. Custom lengths can be created.
King Jewelers Nashville is an official authorized distributor Mikimoto exclusively in Nashville, TN. For more information regarding Mikimoto, please www.mikimotoamerica.com. Contact King Jewelers for more information regarding our current Mikimoto inventory.