Kokichi Mikimoto pioneered commercially successful cultured pearls in the late 19th century and founded a brand known for careful selection and classic pearl jewelry. Modern pearl varieties include Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, freshwater and rare conch pearls. Contemporary grading focuses on luster, surface condition, color, shape and size, with nacre thickness and matching also important for high-end pieces.

A short history

Kokichi Mikimoto began experimenting with cultured pearls in the 1890s and is widely credited with creating the first commercially successful cultured pearls. He founded the Mikimoto company in Japan to produce and market those pearls, helping make cultured pearls an accessible luxury worldwide. The firm remains a recognized name in pearl jewelry today.

What makes Mikimoto pearls distinctive

Mikimoto built its reputation on careful selection, consistent grading and classic designs. The brand is particularly associated with Akoya pearls - known for high luster and near-round shapes - but Mikimoto jewelry can feature a range of pearl types and sizes. Rather than claiming absolute perfection, the company focuses on matching, surface quality and the optical depth of the nacre that gives pearls their glow.

Common pearl types you'll see in modern jewelry

  • Akoya (Japanese saltwater pearls): prized for reflective luster and typically smaller sizes.
  • South Sea (white and golden): produced in larger oysters, often with satiny luster and bigger diameters.
  • Tahitian (often called "black" pearls): from black-lipped oysters, colors range from dark grey to peacock hues.
  • Freshwater: farmed mainly in China today, available in many shapes and colors and generally more affordable.
  • Conch: a rare, non-nacreous pink-orange pearl from the queen conch in the Caribbean.

How pearls are graded today

Pearl grading looks at several consistent factors. The five commonly cited criteria are:
  1. Luster - how sharply light reflects from the surface and depth of shine.
  1. Surface condition - presence or absence of blemishes or spots.
  1. Color - body color and overtone (subtle secondary hues).
  1. Shape - round, near-round, button, drop, baroque, etc.
  1. Size - measured in millimeters; larger pearls are rarer and typically more valuable.
Modern assessments also consider nacre thickness and how well pearls are matched in a strand. High-end houses like Mikimoto emphasize tight tolerances on these factors to produce balanced, harmonious pieces.

Caring for cultured pearls

Pearls are organic gemstones: avoid acids, perfumes and abrasive cleaners. Wipe pearls with a soft cloth after wearing, store them separately to prevent scratches, and restring strand jewelry periodically if worn often.

Why this matters

Understanding origin, types and grading helps you evaluate pearl jewelry beyond brand names. Mikimoto played a major role in popularizing cultured pearls and established standards for quality that many consumers still use when assessing pearl jewelry today.

FAQs about Mikimoto Pearl

Did Mikimoto invent cultured pearls?
Kokichi Mikimoto is credited with creating the first commercially successful cultured pearls and popularizing them globally, although pearl-culturing techniques involved contributions from several researchers and farmers.
Which pearl types does Mikimoto use most often?
Mikimoto is best known for Akoya pearls, but high-end designs may also include South Sea and Tahitian pearls depending on the collection.
What are the five main factors in pearl grading?
The commonly cited five criteria are luster, surface condition, color, shape and size. Nacre thickness and matching are also important, especially for strand jewelry.
How should I care for cultured pearls?
Avoid acids and perfumes, wipe pearls with a soft cloth after wearing, store them separately to prevent scratches, and have frequently worn strands restrung periodically.
Are freshwater pearls less valuable than saltwater pearls?
Freshwater pearls are often more affordable because of larger-scale farming and a wide range of shapes; however, value depends on luster, surface, size and rarity, not just origin.

News about Mikimoto Pearl

Mikimoto taps into florals for new High Jewellery launch - Something About Rocks [Visit Site | Read More]

From Classic to Cutting-Edge, These 3 New Collections Give Pearls a Modern Makeover - JCK Magazine [Visit Site | Read More]

Mikimoto to debut Les Pétales at Haute Couture in Paris - Professional Jeweller [Visit Site | Read More]

Mikimoto’s High Jewelry Collection Turns Pearls into Petals - nationaljeweler.com [Visit Site | Read More]

Mikimoto envisions sparkling petals dancing on strands of pearls in its high jewellery - Vogue Singapore [Visit Site | Read More]

How the ladylike pearl of old is getting a bold new look - South China Morning Post [Visit Site | Read More]