Mikimoto - Not your grandmothers Pearls
“My dream is to adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls,”, so stated Kokichi Mikimoto, founder of Mikimoto pearls, which was the originator of cultured pearls in the late 1800’s. Now flash forward to 2016. Most of us have seen pictures or paintings of the Queen of England or another famous person wearing Mikimoto’s signature pearls in an old fashion and outdated perspective. These pictures look tired, expensive and elitist.
Today, Mikimoto is the leading producer of the finest cultured pearls, and they are an international leader in the design of exceptional pearl and diamond jewelry. They are also evolving to meet the changing times. Each pearl and beautifully crafted jewelry item from Mikimoto reflects dedication, passion, art and a sophisticated modern design. Mikimoto is innovative and creative with both design and materials so that the wearer can take ‘timeless’ to a whole new level. There are now black pearls, golden pearls, baroque pearls, and seed pearls that complement the white pearls, diamonds, opals and sapphires that are all part of Mikimoto’s classic lines. These new styles will surely put a fresher image to the time old tradition of giving pearls to a woman on a special occasion.
Kokichi Mikimoto had the skills of a scientist and the soul of an artist when he invented the farming of culturing of pearls. Whereas gemstones come from the earth, pearls are known as a mysterious and beautiful treasure of the sea.Mikimoto learned to understand how Akoya oysters produced the pearls, and he explored introducing an irritant or particle into the oyster to stimulate secretions of "nacre," which creates a lustrous pearl. On July 11th 1893, after many failed efforts of research and experimentation, Mikimoto’s wife, Ume, hauled a basket of oysters from the sea. Nestled in one oyster was a beautiful pearl. Koichi’s dreams came true as he innovated the culitivation of pearls to rival the quality of a natural pearl. In 1896, he was granted his first patent for culturing pearls.
Kokichi began his business on the island of Ojima, which he renamed Pearl Island. Lux Bond & Green was also an innovator, becoming Mikimoto’s first retail partnership account in the 1980’s. Bob Green, a WWII veteran, was familiar with the Mikimoto brand and took a chance for his family’s firm to carry the beautiful pearls. Today Mikimoto is synonymous with quality, value and gorgeous designs. Their luster, subtle beauty, and timeless style will be treasured piece of jewelry for generations to come.
To see our current selections of Mikimoto pieces please shop online or visit one of our jewelry store locations across Connecticut and Massachusetts.