How do you tell if your pearls are Mikimoto?

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.

What is the hallmark for Mikimoto?

All Mikimoto jewellery is marked either with Mikimoto or the trade mark M in an Akoya oyster shell and either a silver or gold mark. The silver marks vary from S, SIL, Sterling, Silver, 950. If it is not marked with a Mikimoto mark it cannot be said to be genuine.

Do all Mikimoto pearls have an M on the clasp?

Within the clasp of any Mikimoto necklace, bracelet or earring set, there should be the trademark M for Mikimoto engraved into it. There should also be either a silver or gold mark underneath the M. The silver marks vary from S, SL, Sterling, Silver, 950.

What does the Mikimoto trademark look like?

Mikimoto jewelry is identified by the Mikimoto trademark, showing as the outline of an oyster or the engraving of the Mikimoto name. On necklaces and bracelets, look on the back of the clasp. Mikimoto necklaces and bracelets are also fitted with a signature "M" charm.

Are Mikimoto pearls always knotted?

None of those WWII pearl necklaces from Japan are knotted except at the first pearl to the clasp. And Japan and Miki have kept up that tradition since.

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How can you tell if a pearl is good quality?

The luster of good quality pearls is sharp and bright. You should be able to see your reflection clearly on the surface of a pearl. Any pearl that appears too white, dull or chalky, is of low quality.

Is Akoya same as Mikimoto?

Only the Akoya cultured pearls with the highest quality and luster can be bestowed with the name “Mikimoto Pearl.”

Are old pearl necklaces worth anything?

How Much Are Real Pearls Worth? A traditional strand of white pearls can range from $100 (Freshwater pearl necklace) to $10,000 (Akoya pearl necklace). A strand of large, flawless South Sea pearls could even be valued as high as $100,000+ .

How much is Mikimoto worth?

Mikimoto Akoya pearls can range from $300 for a pair of 7 mm studs to over $500,000, depending on the collection and grade of pearls. A lower quality (A+) grade pearl necklace can set you back between $3,000 to $7,000, with flawless AAA grade pearls costing several thousand dollars.

How can you tell if pearls are real?

Simply take the pearl, and gently rub it along the surface of your tooth. If the pearls are real, you'll feel a grittiness similar to sandpaper. In other words, there will be a great deal of friction. If the pearls are fake, on the other hand, it will feel smooth as with plastic or glass.

Can you shower with Mikimoto pearls?

Do not wear your pearls while cleaning, bathing or swimming, cooking or exercising. Limit the wearing of pearl rings and bracelets to those times you know you won't be working with your hands to avoid scratching. Do not expose pearls to strong light or heat.

What are the grades of Mikimoto pearls?

Mikimoto Pearls are graded based on luster, color, size, shape, and surface blemishes. The four grading systems are AAA, AA, A+, and A.

What does AAAA mean in pearls?

AAA Flawless pearl on at least 80-85% of its surface, with the remaining 15-20% containing only minor imperfections with one or two deep imperfections. AAAA Flawless pearl on at least 95% of the pearl surface, with 5% having slight concentrated imperfections.

How much is a real pearl necklace worth?

A real pearl necklace can cost anywhere from $150 to $10,000+ or even more for exceptional examples. Affordable Freshwater necklaces can go as low as $150, while a classic Akoya necklace will cost anywhere from $250 to $5000+. For more information, read how Freshwater pearls compare to Akoyas. $130 - $5,000 or more.

How are Mikimoto pearls strung?

Mikimoto cultured pearl necklaces are strung with the finest silk thread for both strength and beauty. However, if that string stretches or loosens, it may break suddenly. Even if you don't wear your pearls often, we recommend that you have your pearls restrung every year.

Are Akoya pearls the best?

While the akoya pearl is considered to be (overall) more rare and valuable than the freshwater pearl, it is only the third most valuable commercially produced pearl, falling behind South Sea and Tahitians. It is still common to find top-quality akoya pearl strands retailing for more than $10,000, however.

Why are Mikimoto pearls so special?

Mikimoto has its own proprietary grading system for their pearls, and only carries pearls with excellent luster and thick, fine quality nacre. Mikimoto's Japanese Akoya pearls are sourced from the top 5% of each yearly harvest, and then sorted into their various grades from there.

How do I get my pearls appraised?

For example, if you have an antique pearl necklace, then you'll want to find a GIA-certified appraiser who specializes in pearls and/or antique jewelry. To search for reputable appraisers in your local area, you can visit the American Gem Society's website.

Are Mikimoto pearls natural or cultured?

These were not cultured pearls! Those pearls, which would be the equivalent of $4.7M by today's standards, were natural pearls. And that isn't fictional fabrication.

What is the most valuable 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.

What is the rarest color of pearl?

Gold Pearls

One of the largest and rarest pearls found around the world is Gold in color. They are Golden South Sea pearls, cultured in the Philippine Islands. Golden South Sea pearls have only been available to pearl lovers since the late 1970s, and are known as the “Rolls Royce” of cultured pearls.

What is the most sought after pearl?

South Sea. South Sea pearls are often referred to as the Rolls Royce of pearls. They are the largest and most valuable pearls grown today, with average sizes ranging from 10 to 15 millimeters. South Sea pearls grow in a large pearl oyster native to Australia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia.

What pearls does the queen wear?

Elizabeth loved the three-strand pearl necklace so much that she had an identical one made. In 1953, a third three-stand pearl necklace joined her collection. It was a gift from Emir of Qatar and the only difference among the three was that this version sported a diamond clasp.

What are high quality Akoya pearls called?

Hanadama pearls are widely considered the "ferrari of pearls". A top quality Hanadama pearl necklace is about as good as it gets. The typical size range of Akoya pearls ranges from 6mm - 9.5mm, with 7.5-8.0mm being the most popular pearl sizes.

How can you tell if pearls are Akoya?

For Akoya pearls, you'll mainly notice pin prick blemishes, lighter or darker areas of organic conchiolin build up visible just under the surface crystal, and small, white wrinkles in the surface nacre. Freshwater Pearl Inclusions are mostly dull white "chalky spots" and subtle ridges on the pearl surfaces.