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.
For a one-word answer, “quality” makes Mikimoto Pearl's special. They are some of the best pearls in the market, if not the very best. All Mikimoto Pearls are from the top 5% of yearly harvests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Should You Wear Pearls Every Day? There's a straightforward answer to this question. 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.
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).
The lip determines the pearl color. While the white pearls are also priced by jewelers, the gold pearl variety is the most coveted color. The gold South sea pearl's color can range from creamy white to deep gold, and the darker the color, the more expensive it becomes.
Wetting pearls is never a good idea, as it begins to destroy the jewel. Pearl necklaces are damaged when they get wet, because the water damages both the thread and the pearl . When wet, the thread that holds the beads together begins to stretch and lengthen, so it quickly loses the desired shape.
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.
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.
That said, Mikimoto's specializes in the sublime, lustrous Japanese Akoya pearl. The Akoya pearl comes from the Pinctada fucata martensii pearl oyster which is native to the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean surrounding Japan.
Even with the soaring yen, prices for high-quality pearls are somewhat lower in Japan than in the United States. Japanese governmental supervision of pearl sales is very strict. Even naive shoppers are safe purchasing pearls in Japan, especially if they buy from a reputable shop.
Mikimoto pearls, especially the vintage ones, can be a good investment provided they have their original clasp, the original box, and proper paperwork establishing their provenance. The top-grade (AAA) Mikimoto pearls have the best chance to appraise in value and, thus, are best for investment.
Kate Middleton wears the Annoushka Baroque Pearl Earring Drops. The Princess has worn the pearl drops since 2012.
The qualities that determine the overall value of a natural or cultured pearl or a piece of pearl jewelry are size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and—for jewelry with two or more pearls—matching.
Gemini: For those born under Gemini, the Moon governs the second house, which is associated with speech. Hence, it is advised not to wear pearls as it may cause physical and mental stress. Leo: The twelfth house is ruled by the Moon in Leo ascendants, making it unfavorable to wear pearls.
Pearls are considered to have a calming effect on the mind. But sometimes it can also have a negative effect if worn without considering one's horoscope. Yes, since pearl is the karaka of the Moon, people whose zodiac sign is hostile to Chandradev should avoid wearing pearl.
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.
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.
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.