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.
Mikimoto is the premier producer and designer of the world's highest quality pearls and pearl jewelry. In 1893, Mikimoto's founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, successfully created the first cultured pearls.
Mikimoto pearls cost as low as $300 for 7.0mm Akoya pearls stud earrings. On the higher side, it could cost you more than $500,000 depending on the pearl collection. For 5.0mm - 8.5mm pearls, you should expect to spend between $3,000 and $7,000, and finer qualities range even higher.
Mikimoto's pearls are quite simply some of the finest in the world: take good care of them, keep their provenance in order, and these beautiful pearls will last for generations and could even increase in value.
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.
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. A+ is very good and A good.
Pearls harm the natives of these zodiac signs. This means that people of Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius ascendant should not wear pearls.
It's really up to you and what you're comfortable with. If you're someone who takes very good care of their belongings and is cautious with how you handle them, then wearing your pearls every day shouldn't be a problem.
Your Mikimoto pearl necklaces should be restrung every year. What is the material used to string Mikimoto Akoya pearls? Fine silk is used to string Mikimoto Akoya pearls.
How do you know your pearls are authentic? Every Mikimoto pearl jewelry comes with the brand's trademark. It is usually an engraving of the name “MIKIMOTO.” You'll find this on clasps of necklaces, shanks of rings, or the backs of earrings. Another trademark is an M-circle logo charm fitted to the jewelry.
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).
Clasps on any authentic Mikimoto pearl pieces will bear the name or the iconic “M” imposed with the profile of an oyster shell. In addition to the brand name, make sure to also confirm the metal mark (typically gold or silver).
Pearls were once so rare that only royalty wore them. Some royalty wore fake pearls because not even they could command enough of the gems to adorn their jewelry and crowns. Therefore, wearing pearls was a sign of wealth and social status.
Thanks to Kokichi Mikimoto, Japan is known as the source for the world's most beautiful akoya pearls. He never stopped pursuing his dream, and worked until he died at age 96 in 1954.
Final Verdict. Monica Vinader is our all-around favorite brand for pearl necklaces, as we think the quality of its pearl jewelry is amazing, especially given its accessible price range. Ditto for Mejuri, which runs a close second.
Freshwater pearls, like other types of pearls, can be significantly damaged by water. Moreover, the soap, shampoo, conditioner, or oils you use in the shower contain chemicals that can further damage your pearl jewellery. Hence, wearing your pearl jewellery in the shower is not advisable.
Do pearls lose their luster or become dull? It's possible that pearls can lose their shimmer and shine over time, but you can prevent it from happening by learning how to clean your cultured pearl necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings.
Given its symbolic meaning and captivating beauty, Pearls are a great gift for anyone born in this month. To attain maximum mukta stone benefits, the Pearl ring should be worn on the little finger of the working hand. However, it should be best worn in silver metal on Monday, early morning between 5 - 7 am.
When it comes to pearls, certain zodiac signs can benefit from wearing them more than others. Namely, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are all water signs known for their sensitivity and intuition. Cancer signs are said to be particularly drawn to pearls.
The only ethical pearls on the market are those made from glass, alabaster, plastic, or other human-made materials. However, some of these options are also coated in animal-derived materials, including isinglass, fish scales, oyster scales, and mother-of-pearl powder.
The Most Popular Size Pearl Necklaces and Earrings
The 7.0-8.0mm size range is widely acknowledged to be the "go-anywhere" size, perfect for nights out, office wear or even a quick trip to the grocery store in a T-shirt and jeans.
Tiffany does not have it's own grading system (at least one that it publicly acknowledges), but Tiffany strands are generally AA quality on the Mikimoto grading standard and Tiffany prices its strands directly in line with with Mikimoto AA strands (which would be $5,400 for an 18" 7x7. 5mm strand).
Other scientists and entrepreneurs were working on culturing pearls at the time but Mikimoto did the work and bought the patents from the work of other scientists. By 1893 he had his first cultured pearl.