Are Akoya pearls the same as Mikimoto pearls?

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

What type of pearls are Mikimoto?

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.

Is it worth buying Mikimoto pearls?

Even a simple strand of Mikimoto pearls can set you back thousands of dollars. And the princes only get higher the more intricate the pearls. Therefore, we're inclined to say that Mikimoto really isn't worth the money — save your money and stick to the fake stuff.

Are Akoya pearls good quality?

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.

Mikimoto

How do I identify Akoya pearls?

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.

Why is Mikimoto so expensive?

Mikimoto grades their pearls: A, A+, AA and AAA Quality, which is their highest/best pearl grade. Their AAA Quality Akoya are so rare, and so expensive, that there are only one or two strands produced each year.

What is the highest quality of pearl?

Hanadama Pearls

Cultured Hanadama gemstones feature the highest pearl luster of all cultured pearls on the market.

Do Mikimoto pearls hold value?

Generally there is no, or very little pawn value, unlike gold jewelry. Miki's retain value based on the condition of the pearls, having the original clasp, box and paperwork. Buying pearls as an investment isn't the best choice. Probably natural pearls retain their value best over time.

Are Akoya pearls marked?

As mentioned earlier, Mother Nature always leaves a mark on her creations. There are a number of common growth characteristics and surface inclusions you can regularly spot on almost any necklace that are typical of the Akoya pearl type. These markings are a practical and easy way to: A.

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.

Are Mikimoto pearls always knotted?

They are 6mm pearls about 16" long with a sterling pearl clasp. The pearls are not knotted in between each, just strung. There is no "M" stamp or any other mark indicating that it is a Mikimoto besides the papers that came with it. It is in a Mikimoto original box.

Are Mikimoto pearls cheaper in Japan?

I found the Mikimoto prices in Japan to be cheaper than the Mikimoto prices in Hong Kong, if that's any indication.

What is the difference between Akoya and South Sea pearls?

South Sea Pearls of 9.5 – 10.5 mm sizes are more common. But the smaller Akoya oyster has a hard time producing a pearl as large as 9.5 – 10.5 mm, making these pearls much rarer, hence the higher price. Akoya Pearls are preferred for someone wanting a bright white/pink lustrous strand in this “overlap” size range.

How are Mikimoto pearls rated?

Mikimoto pearls rank in the top 5 percent of pearls sold worldwide and are the only pearls with an industry recognized rating system, ranking their pearls from A+ up to AAA rating.

Are Akoya pearls better than freshwater?

When compared to other varieties, such as Tahitian and South Sea, Akoya pearls definitely offer good value for money without compromising on beauty. Freshwater pearls lack the deep, beautiful gleam of an Akoya. However, the palette of colors and attractive pricing makes them a great option for many people.

What grade are Tiffany pearls?

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).

Is it OK to wear pearls everyday?

Casual or formal, night or day, pearls can be worn whenever and however you like So, if yours spend most of their time tucked away at the back of a drawer, we'd suggest you dig them out and start wearing them.

Where does Tiffany get their pearls?

Farmed off the coastal shores of Australia, Tahiti and the Philippines, these luminous pearls are the largest and rarest of all pearls and can occur as white, black or golden.

What is Blue Lagoon by Mikimoto?

Mikimoto Blue Lagoon pearls were developed to capture pearl market share without competing with Mikimoto's pearl brand found in its company stores. Technically speaking, pearls are graded by their pearl luster, pearl body color, pearl shape and pearl overtone.

Can you shower with Akoya pearls?

While there's some truth to this, it's an oversimplification. Pearls can get wet — after all, they were “born” under water! Water will not hurt your pearls. However, there are two risks when it comes to wearing your akoya pearl jewelry in the shower.

What grade are Akoya pearls?

Cultured Akoya pearls are graded using the Japanese Pearl Grading System, using the A-AAA Scale with the addition of Hanadama Akoya pearls representing the highest pinnacle of the pearl type. The A-AAA system evaluates pearls according to Surface Quality, Luster, and perfection of Shape (roundness and symmetry).

Why are Akoya pearls so expensive?

The highest quality Akoya Pearls grow in the ocean up to about two years to allow sufficient time for the pearl to form with thick nacre and wonderful luster. The term “cultured pearl” really just means that a human being started the natural process of pearl formation.

What does the name Akoya mean?

The Japanese term for natural or cultured pearls that come from the akoya-gai mollusk.