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Mikimoto is the foremost producer of quality cultured pearls, world renowned for superior quality, fine materials and expert workmanship. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings combine timeless elegance with sophisticated, modern design, and are in high demand. Mikimoto pearls are an appropriate gift for any occasion, and fitting at any and every event. They will be treasured today and passed on to future generations to enjoy.
  • Where do Mikimoto pearls come from? Mikimoto is the originator of cultured pearls. Each strand comes from the sea, in the bays of Ise, Honshu Japan.
  • How much do Mikimoto pearls cost? J.R. Dunn Jewelers offer s Mikimoto pearl studs from $200 to $7,970; other earring styles from $710 to 57,000; bracelets from $770 to 28,100; necklaces from $910 to $26,000; pearl strands from $1,650 to $35,000; and rings from $810 to $23,000, with a wide variety of price points in-between.
  • Why do some Mikimoto pearls have a pearl clasp while others have a single diamond clasp? AAA strand bracelets and necklaces are available with a single diamond clasp, upon request. You may also request a special order with a diamond clasp on AA grade bracelets and necklaces. Diamond clasp item SKU numbers end in AW (white gold) or AK (yellow gold), while pearl clasp items have a W for white gold or K for yellow gold. All platinum clasp bracelets and necklaces have a single diamond clasp.
  • What are the common characteristics of all Mikimoto jewelry? Every piece of Mikimoto jewelry will be crafted of 18K gold or platinum precious metal. The company uses only all-natural colored gemstones that have not been radiation or color treated. The finest silk thread is used for Mikimoto pearl strands and most pieces bear the trademark outline of an oyster or engraving of the Mikimoto name. Strands and cultured pearl bracelets are also fitted with a signature M-circle logo charm.
  • 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. Mikimoto necklaces and bracelets are also fitted with a signature "M" charm. On earrings, see the post, earring nuts or back of pieces. Look inside the shank of rings, on the back of a pendant's bail and on the underside of a brooch. All Mikimoto pieces, with the exception of Pearls in Motion will have this identification.
  • What is a Black South Seas pearl? The waters of Tahiti and Okinawa produce naturally black pearls from black-lipped oysters. Breathtaking colors range from black to slate grey, silver and pistachio to peacock green. Overtones include shades of green, pink and blue. Peacock green is the rarest color for a Black South Seas pearl. You will find this type of pearl in round, oval, teardrop and irregular baroque shapes. Sizes begin at 8mm. The process of culturing Black South Sea pearls was originated by Kokichi Mikimoto.
  • What is a White South Sea pearl? The silver-lipped South Sea oyster produces white pearls with a satiny luster. Their opalescence is subdued, appearing to change in different lighting. Shapes range from round to oval, teardrop and the organic baroque. Minimum harvest size is 9mm.
  • What is a Golden South Sea pearl? A warm, natural, golden colored pearl is produced by the golden-lipped oysters. They pearls can range from light champagne to deep gold, with every shade in-between!
  • What is an Akoya pearl? Akoya pears are prized for their brilliant luster and rich color. They are the most popular of all pearl types, available in 3-10mm size. Originally farmed in Japan, today's Akoya pearls are mainly from china. They can be found in colors ranging from white to cream, and pink or blue-gray. Only 5 percent of Akoya pearl harvested is accepted as Mikimoto quality.
  • Where do freshwater pearls form? Whether they are natural or cultured, freshwater pearls form in lakes, rivers and ponds and grow in mussels. They are very durable, and tend to be smaller and not as symmetrical in shape.
  • Where do saltwater pearls grow? Whether they are natural or cultured, saltwater pearls are grown in oceans, protected lagoons and volcanic atolls, always in oysters.
  • How does a pearl get its iridescence? A pearl's luster depends upon the reflection (image), refraction (bending) and diffraction (defusing) of light from the translucent layers. Thinner, more numerous layers mean a finer luster. Iridescence occurs from the overlapping of successive layers, which breaks up light falling on the surface.
  • What are common pearl necklace lengths? A collar is 10"-13" and rests against the throat. A choker measures 14"-16" and nestles just above the base of the neck. Princess length refers to strands that are 17"-19" in length and come down to or just above the collarbone. A Matinee length measures 20"-24" and falls just above the breasts. An Opera length is 28"-35"; long enough to reach the sternum or breastbone
  • What are the five factors used to evaluate a pearl? Luster, surface, perfection, color, shape, size. Of these, the two most important to grading a pearl are luster and surface perfection.
  • Are Mikimoto pearls warrantied? Jewelry created by Mikimoto with the brand's quality guarantee mark has a lifetime warranty.
  • How often should I have my Mikimoto pearl necklace restrung? 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 should I care for my Mikimoto pearls? Avoid contact with cosmetics, hair spray or perfume. Your jewelry should be put on as a finished touch, after make-up and hair styling. Before returning your pearls to the jewelry box, wipe them gently with a soft cloth. To prevent your pearls from getting tangled and scratched, fasten the clips and pins and store them separately in a compartmentalized box. Use a protective jewelry pouch when traveling. Check your pearl jewelry before wearing pieces, including prongs, clasps and screws of earrings and brooch pins. Have your pearl strand restrung every year. Do not dip your pearl strand in water or wear them while bathing. Additionally, avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures. Do not ever use an ultrasonic cleanser for pearl jewelry.
  • What is the Mikimoto Pearls in Motion Collection? As its name implies, the Pearls in MotionTM features a patented mechanism that allows each pearl to be repositioned along its 18K gold chain. Wearers can get an infinite variety of looks from a single piece of jewelry! Pearls in MotionTM are versatile, playful and functional!
  • What is the difference between the Mikimoto and Blue Lagoon or Sea Magic brands? Blue Lagoon and Sea Magic Cultured pearls are exclusive lines distributed by Mikimoto (America) Co. Ltd., but should not be confused with Mikimoto brand pearls. The lines are a good value for high quality pearls at the top 6-10 percent of the Akoya cultured pearl harvest.
  • What is the difference between natural and cultured pearls? Both natural and cultured pearls are formed when a foreign object enters a mussel or oyster, coating it with nacre. Over time, the layers of nacre form what we know as a pearl. In the case of natural pearls, the process is organic; with cultured pearls, the foreign object is introduced by man.