Mikimoto Pearls is a brand name of a jeweler that specializes in creating pearl jewelry from Akoya pearls. The company pioneered cultured pearls in 1893 and is now the biggest name in luxurious, high-quality jewelry featuring cultured pearls.
How do I know that my pearl jewelry is Mikimoto? 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.
Hanadama pearls are widely considered the "ferrari of pearls". A top quality Hanadama pearl necklace is about as good as it gets. The typical size range of Akoya pearls ranges from 6mm - 9.5mm, with 7.5-8.0mm being the most popular pearl sizes.
Because Akoya pearls have become The Standard when it comes to the classic white pearl necklace, and meet the higher quality standards for pearls (particularly in the Luster and Shape category), they are more highly valued by consumers and the Professional Jewelry market.
Fine South Sea Baroque Pearls are much more valuable and desirable than Baroque Akoya Pearls. Because of the large size difference in the two primary varieties, a South Sea Baroque Pearl is more likely to have a critical mass of lustrous surface.
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.
If possible, store them wrapped in a soft cloth or in a soft-lined container, pouch, or jewelry box, but not in an airtight container because the pearls need to "breathe". It is strongly recommended not to get your pearls wet by either showering or swimming (ocean, swimming pool or Jacuzzi hot tubs).
One of the biggest reasons for the high price of Mikimoto's pearls is their stringent grading system. The pearls come in four grades- A, A+, AA, and AAA. While the A-grade pearls are the lowest quality, the AAA pearls are the best.
As such, we'd encourage you to wear your pearls as much as you can – every day if you wish! If you do wear your pearl necklaces often, it's a good idea to have them restrung annually as the inner thread will start to deteriorate over time.
Color. Saltwater pearl oysters produce a variety of colors, but the classic white pearl remains the favorite for the Akoya. Soft overtones of rose, cream and silver lend subtle differences to these white pearls, so it's worth exploring the spectrum to find what feels right.
Mikimoto pearls are sublime and lustrous Japanese Akoya pearls. These pearls originate from a pearl oyster, called Pinctada fucata martensii. The oyster is a native of the surrounding Pacific Ocean in Japan. In 1983, Kokichi Mikimoto, the King of Pearls, created the world's first cultured pearls.
When compared to other varieties, such as Tahitian and South Sea, Akoya pearls definitely offer good value for money without compromising on beauty. Freshwater pearls lack the deep, beautiful gleam of an Akoya. However, the palette of colors and attractive pricing makes them a great option for many people.
To maintain your Mikimoto pearl jewelry, we recommend that you do not exercise, clean, bathe, or swim with it on.
Eventually, Mikimoto grades the pearls as AAA, AA, A+, or A. Grade AAA has a mirror-like reflection and close to no blemished surface. The AA is superb, with clear reflection and a slightly blemished surface.
The Mikimoto Pearls are the highest quality pearl line. The pearls come from the top 5% of each year's harvest.
Astrology says that the people whose zodiac signs lords are Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Rahu should never wear pearls. Pearls harm the natives of these zodiac signs. This means that people of Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius ascendant should not wear pearls.
Kate and Meghan's choice to wear pearls, though, goes beyond it being a tradition. It's a special shout-out to the Queen herself, who loved wearing them on the day-to-day.
Akoya Pearl Prices Range from $100 - $10,000
Akoya pearls tend to be the smaller-sized pearls of all the major pearl types, and range in size from 4.0mm at their smallest to 9.5mm and rarely 10.0mm at their very largest and rarest size.
Natural Pearl
Mikimoto is a very high-end brand. The pearls are beautiful, especially when you purchase the highest-end line in an actual Mikimoto store. But you are definitely paying a lot for the name as well. But the one thing that Mikimoto has is 100 years of credibility!
Akoya pearls are the preeminent cultured pearls. They are the pearls that the Mikimoto brand popularized. Prized by royalty and pearl connoisseurs for centuries, Akoya pearls have long been coveted for their perfectly round shape, richness, and deep luster.
– Australia: home to some of the finest quality pearls in the world, with a variety of colors ranging from white to black. The Australian pearl industry is worth an estimated $500 million per year.
Cosmetics, sun block, perfume and hairspray all contain chemicals that can dramatically dull the luster of a pearl. The natural acids contained in body oils and perspiration can also damage pearls in the same way.
Do not sleep, shower or bathe while wearing your pearls. You need to make sure you're taking proper care of them. To clean your pearls, simply wipe them with a damp cloth after each wear. You can use mild soap if you want to, but be sure to avoid any harsh chemicals.
Akoya pearls come from saltwater oysters, while freshwater pearls come from mussels in rivers and lakes. Check the size and shape—Akoya pearls are smaller and rounder than freshwater pearls, which tend to be larger and slightly irregular. Purchase Akoya pearls if you're looking for rare jewelry or heirloom pieces.