How to Buy Mikimoto Pearls

Mikimoto pearls are sometimes called flower pearls, or hanadama. Mikimoto Kōkichi created the first cultured pearl in 1893. Since that time, Mikimoto pearls have been considered the finest quality cultured pearls on the market, meeting stringent standards due to their unique sorting and grading system. Only the top 5% of Japan's cultured pearls meet Mikimoto pearl standards.

If you're buying Mikimoto pearls from an official Mikimoto distributor, you can trust in the quality. Below are a few things to consider before investing in cultured Mikimoto pearls.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check for authenticity.
   
   If you want to be sure you're buying authentic Mikimoto pearl jewelry, look for the capital M on the clasp. However, this mark alone is not enough to determine legitimacy, since authentic claps can be restrung with any pearls.
   
   A professional jeweler should be able to determine if the pearls are authentic by looking under a magnifying lens. Mikimoto pearls have distinct striations.

2. Check the grade.
   
   When you buy your pearls, you should ask for the grading certificate. This is good for insurance purposes, but also as a guarantee of quality.
   
   Be familiar with the grading system. The most important factors in grading a pearl are the luster and surface. There are four grades of Mikimoto pearls, with AAA being the highest and most valuable. The other grades from high to low are AA, A+, A. There are also four subgrades for the surface, which tell you how high on the scale of each grade a pearl is ranked. Below is an explanation of the factors which influence the pearl's grade.

3. Check the luster.
   
   Luster refers to the shine and reflection of the pearl. All Mikimoto pearls have a clear reflection, so the grade simply denotes the degree of this luster.
   
   AAA : Exceptional, “like a mirror”
   AA : Superb
   A+ : Very Good
   A : Good

4. Check the surface.
   
   Surface refers to the smoothness and perfection of the Mikimoto pearl, and whether it has any marks on it's surface.
   
   AAA : No blemishes
   AAA1 : Almost no blemishes
   AA : Very slightly blemished
   AA1 : Slightly blemished
   A+ : Very slightly blemished
   A+1 : Slightly blemished
   A : Very slightly blemished
   A1 : Slightly blemished

5. Consider the color.
   
   The ideal pearl has a deep color that covers the surface evenly, with no dark or light spots. The exact color isn't important, as long as the color is even and bright. White and soft pink are among the most popular. Other popular colors include cream, peach, and peacock black.

6. Examine the shape.
   
   A perfectly round pearl is the most rare and valuable. The more round and uniform, the better.

7. Consider the size.
   
   Larger pearls are harder to cultivate, so these are generally more expensive. However, the luster, surface, and shape can be a better indicator of value. The ideal Akoya pearl is 3.5mm to 10mm, while a typical South Sea pearl is 8mm or larger.

Resources

• Mikimoto America

[LostInTransit]

on 5/20/2009 I hope to buy mikimoto pearls someday... ;) Thanks for the tips, it's always good to research before buying jewels. 5*