Mikimoto Pearl Necklace

Mikimoto pearls.

Mikimoto pearls are known to be flower pearls or in other words hanadama, which symbolizes highest quality pearl found over the globe. Pearls that are created and produced by Mikimoto are unique masterpiece in itself. These pearls are rightly considered to be the highest quality cultured pearls. Usually in a pearl its shape, smoothness, luster and thickness of pearl’s layer are considered to evaluate its quality, but for Mikimoto, quality pearl is what is created in the form of unique tiny outstanding and lustrous pearls. Even a tiny pearl is so perfectly beautiful and attractive that no one can resist the temptation of using it in their necklaces or as part of other jewellery items.

Mikimoto pearl necklace are of great value worldwide. These cultured pearl necklaces are famous for their unprecedented beauty and brilliance which is beyond any comparison. It is said that erstwhile you put on a Mikomoto pearl, whatever the category of pearl you will try later, will seem mediocre or of substandard in comparison to Mikimoto pearl. A Mikimoto pearl necklace is an ultimate radiant beauty which cannot be easily replicated by anything else. It looks magnificent and feels special. Mikimoto pearls are so brilliant and special, that it is quite popular among the riches and various royal families of Japan and Britain.

How exactly are cultured pearls formed?

Pearls are actually formed naturally a pearl oyster. When a small tiny organism or particle enters in the oyster shell, it gets trapped in its mantle and in order to protect itself, oyster shell starts secreting a substance which forming a pearl sac around the particle. In course of time, more and more layers of nacre (secretion by pearl sac) gets deposited on the foreign body, which later on forms into a beautiful natural pearl. Natural pearl formation is a long process and occurs very rarely. This is the reason why natural pearls are usually expensive.

Cultured pearls are also created by the same process by which natural pearls are, but the only marking difference is that in case of cultured pearls, a pearl harvester inserts artificially small irritants in the mantle of the oyster which then forms pearls. However, these pearls are not as expensive as the natural pearls because of the fact that natural pearls are formed rarely while cultured pearls can be formed intentionally.

Man behind the trend of cultured pearls.

With their pure, mysterious glimmer, pearls have been captivating and winning hearts of people for ages.

Mikimoto at the age of 13 left his schooling in order to support his family. From the very childhood, he was fascinated with the pearls which started after seeing the pearl divers unloading the treasure they collected on the shore.

After mid 1800’s, Japan got involved in foreign trading and all its natural pearls that were already considered as precious by the people, became more treasured item. At the same time, pearl oysters in Japan near Mikimoto’s town were diminishing. This made him to start culturing of pearls artificially by seeding oysters and producing pearls. Even after hours of experiments and research work, regardless of various attempts with disappointing failure results, he did not give up his dream. He continued with his experiments and finally on July 11, 1893, he discovered a beautiful hemispherical cultured pearl. However, with his continuous efforts for another twelve years, he was successfully able to produce completely spherical pearls that were not only beautiful but at the same time were unique and of high quality. After this, his cultured pearl farms quickly expanded and were able to establish a reputation of being the only company that produced and sold cultured pearls that were of high quality. Just before his death, he was honored with Order of Merit and The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure.

Buying your Mikimoto pearl necklace

Mikimoto pearl necklaces can be found in varied lengths depending on woman’s neck size, age and body composition. You can choose from collar (10”-13”), choker (14”-16”), princess (18”-20”), matinee (20”-24”), opera (28”-34”) and rope (37” and longer).

While purchasing Mikimoto’s jewelley, look for the ‘M’ mark which ensures that the product is of high quality. In few cases, the mark only guarantees the genuine setting and not pearls. In such a case, pearls can be restrung or replaced.

Caveat: There is a black market selling Mikimoto’s pearls and pearl jewellery at a low rate which is misleading. Always compare your intended purchase from these markets with the genuine Mikimoto pearls.

Akoya vs. Mikimoto

Akoya is another fine quality pearl after Mikimoto’s which are formed in saltwater. Because of this fact, they are also known as saltwater pearls. These pearls can be found in white cream, pink, silver, green and gold colors. These pearls are not one of Mikimoto pearls. They are different from them in terms of cost.

Grading method

Four grades are used to grade Mikimoto pearls. AAA grade is the highest and is used to refer those pearls that are quite lustrous with best reflecting quality. And the lowest grade A1 pearl has a good luster with clear reflection and is slightly blemished. The other ranges of grades fall between them with difference in their lustrous properties and surfaces.