How to Shop for Mikimoto Pearls

Exceptional pearls have a mirror-like luster.

Kokichi Mikimoto, a Japanese entrepreneur, began in 1888 raising oysters. In 1893 he cultured the first pearl ever grown by man, and in 1899 he opened the first Mikimoto Pearl Store in Tokyo. Now, over a century later, Mikimoto pearls are considered among the finest cultured pearls on the market. Only the top 5% of Japan's cultured pearls meet Mikimoto pearl standards. If you're planning to invest in Mikimoto pearls, learn more about identifying this exceptional jewelry.

Instructions

1. Look for the Mikimoto trademark. Each piece of authentic Mikimoto jewelry carries the outline of an oyster or the Mikimoto name on the clasp, ring shank or earring back. A signature logo charm, a circle and M combination, also is included on every strand and bracelet.

2. Ask to see the grading certificate when shopping for Mikimoto pearls. This is a guarantee of quality. Of the five grades of Mikimoto pearls, those rated AAA are the highest and most valuable. From high to low, the remaining grades are AA, A+, A and A1. Luster and surface are the most important factors in grading Mikimoto pearls.

3. Learn the different values of luster -- the quality and quantity of reflected light, which shines from the pearl's surface and from just below the surface as well. Mikimoto pearls graded AAA show exceptional reflection with a mirror-like quality. AA pearls have a reflection that is superb and clear. A+-rated pearls have very good, clear reflection. The luster of A and A1 Mikimoto pearls is considered "good" and "clear."

4. Know what to look for in the surface of a Mikimoto pearl. Although a pearl naturally shows tiny marks in its surface, pearls with an AAA rating should be blemish-free. Pearls rated AA, A + and A may be very slightly blemished, while an A1 pearl may be slightly blemished.

5. Consider the color and size of the pearls. Mikimoto pearls come from Akoya oysters. Depending on the size of the mother oyster, a pearl can range from 3mm to 10mm. In addition to the classic colors of white, cream and pink, Akoya pearls may also be light green, blue and silver.

6. Examine other elements of a Mikimoto jewelry piece. Findings should be 18 karat gold or platinum. Diamonds should be VS, G color or better and gemstones should be natural in color with no color treatments or radiation. Pearl strands should be strung on fine silk thread.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy Mikimoto pearl jewelry only from reputable jewelers, preferably from an authorized Mikimoto dealer. Ask to see certification before committing to buy a Mikimoto piece.

• Don't rely on the Mikimoto trademark alone to identify jewelry. Other pearls can be restrung using the original clasp. When in doubt, have a piece of pearl jewelry examined by a reputable jeweler to confirm that it's Mikimoto.

References

• Mikimoto: How to Buy Pearls
• Pearl-Guide.com: Kokichi Mikimoto

Resources

• Mikimoto Pearl Island: How Cultured Pearls Are Produced