Born to a noodle-shop owner, Japanese jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto (1858–1954) worked in the seafood business before shifting his focus to pearl cultivation. In 1893, he successfully developed the world’s first cultured pearls with a semispherical specimen. His further experimentation would include black and white South Sea pearls. This development gave Mikimoto a supply of what had once been a notoriously rare natural element and earned him the nickname “The Pearl King.” As he once said, “My dream is to adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls.”
In 1899 in Tokyo’s Ginza district, Mikimoto opened his first, eponymous store in a white-stone building reminiscent of the color of pearls. He quickly earned a reputation for dazzling designs that blended Japanese craftsmanship and European influence. Mikimoto sent his jewelers to Europe to study the latest trends in jewelry and design; they brought back knowledge of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, which were incorporated into designs featuring Mikimoto’s pearls.
But Mikimoto’s creations were not met with enthusiasm by all. In 1921, a London newspaper called the designer’s jewelry “only imitations of real pearls” and claimed the company was “misleading” its customers. It developed into a lawsuit in the French courts, which ruled in Mikimoto’s favor, and raised the jeweler’s global profile.
He also brought his work international acclaim through exhibitions and world’s fairs, including the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia where he unveiled a replica of the Liberty Bell covered with pearls. In 1927, Mikimoto met with Thomas Edison, who gave the jeweler’s invention probably its best compliment: “It is one of the wonders of the world that you were able to culture pearls. . . . This isn’t a cultured pearl, it’s a real pearl.”
Following World War II, Mikimoto opened stores around the world, with locations now in Paris, New York City, Los Angeles and Shanghai. Though its founder died in 1954, the Mikimoto company has continued to build on the legacy he established, producing collections of pearl necklaces and other pearl-centric jewelry that span a wide range of styles.
In 2017, the brand reopened its flagship Tokyo store, tapping architect Hiroshi Naito to design a new glittering facade whose 40,000 tiny glass plates are meant to evoke the movement of the ocean as they catch the light. The place where Mikimoto had his legendary success over a century ago is now known as Mikimoto Pearl Island and includes a museum on his life and pearls. A highlight is the “Boss’s Necklace,” which was the first made by Mikimoto and is the model for all the brand’s classic strands that have followed.
Find Mikimoto pendant necklaces, choker necklaces and a range of other jewelry on 1stDibs.
1950s Mikimoto Pearl Yellow Gold Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Mikimoto Cultured Pearl and Yellow Gold Brooch, circa 1950. SPECIFICATIONS: PEARLS: Cultured Pearls from 3.4mm to 7.6mm. METAL: 14K yellow gold WEIGHT: 10.7 grams. DIMENSION...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto 14k Gold Pearl Station w/ Triple Strand Chain Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a very elegant "by the yard" style vintage necklace that was designed by Mikimoto. It features 10 VERY FINE quality round cultured pearls equally spaced over this unique...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Mikimoto Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 1.95ct Diamond and Pearl Ring MK37-050126
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Mikimoto ring is a piece that will continually take your breath away. Diamonds with a total weight of 1.95 carats add stunning sparkle, while a luminous 9.5mm Pearl make...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Single-Strand Vintage Pearl Necklace with Sterling Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your elegance with the Mikimoto Vintage Pearl Necklace, a stunning 22-inch piece that beautifully combines classic charm with modern sop...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto 18 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl Brooch Pin
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto 18 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl Brooch Pin Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 5.19 grams Length: 42mm Width: 17mm Pearls: 3 Akoya cultured pearls, 5-6mm LRT F35001469
Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Modernist 14k Gold & Akoya Pearl Brooch or Pin
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Japanese Modern gold & pearl brooch. By Mikimoto. In 14k gold. Set with 8 round white Akoya pearls. Signed to the reverse. Simply a wonderful Japanese modernist brooch! ...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Mikimoto Necklace. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Amethyst Grape Vine pendant.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k White Gold Amethyst and Pearl MIKIMOTO Grape Motif Pendant and Necklace Both pendant and necklace marked 18k Mikimoto. Detail...
Amethyst, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto 14 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Tie Bar Clip Pin
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto 14 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Tie Bar Clip Pin Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 7.36 grams Pearls: 3 cultured Akoya white pearls, 4,5 - 5.5mm Length: 2.30 inches Width: 12...
Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto White Akoya Cultured Pearl Spray Brooch Set in 14 Karat White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This lovely Mikimoto brooch features exquisite akoya cultured pearls set in lustrous 14 karat white gold. The brooch design showcases the timeless elegance of pearls, with each pearl...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$552Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Earrings 14k Y Gold 6.44 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Earrings 14k Y Gold 6.44 mm M393 These elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl earrings are made of 14 karat yellow gold and have 4 Akoya Cultured ...
Pearl, Gold
Mikimoto 18k White Gold 8mm Akoya Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Chicago, IL
These exquisite Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl stud earrings are the epitome of timeless elegance and refined luxury. Crafted in high-quality 18k white gold, these iconic studs featur...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
Mikimoto 18k White Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Chicago, IL
Exuding timeless elegance, this exquisite Mikimoto strand necklace features a luminous collection of Akoya cultured pearls, each meticulously selected for its superior luster and uni...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
MIKIMOTO 18K White Gold Five-Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Guangzhou, CN
MIKIMOTO 18K White Gold Five-Pearl Necklace. The pearls are adjustable, allowing multiple wearing styles. This style is quite hard to source, especially the white gold version. Acces...
MIKIMOTO K18 Enamel Rose Akoya Pearl and Diamond Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in 台東区, JP
An elegant floral brooch by MIKIMOTO, beautifully crafted in 18K yellow gold and featuring a delicately hand-applied pink and white enamel rose, accented with a lustrous cultured pea...
Vintage Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Flower Earrings in Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in London, England
A gorgeous pair of vintage Mikimoto Akoya pearl earrings set in 18k yellow gold.
The earrings feature flower motifs set with Akoya white pearl. They are secured to reverse...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Sixties Mod Pearl-Set Gold Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 14k, by Mikimoto, Japan. A sublime example of Mikimoto jewelry, this elegant Sixties pop art brooch is set with perfectly matched Akoya pe...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6.74 mm M303 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate sterling silver brooch has 7 Saltwater Akoya Cultured Pearls 6.7...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Flower Pearl Branch Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Designer: Mikimoto Metal: 14k yellow gold Gemstones: 11 pearls Pearl Diameter: ~6 mm - 6.7 mm Total Weight: 14.2 grams Stamped: "M" "K14" Condition: Preowned, e...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 3 Pearl Tie Clip 14k Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Honolulu, HI
Details: Designer: Mikimoto Style: Tie Clip Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.2 Grams Stamped: "K14" "M" Pearl Diameter: ~4.3 mm Measurements: 1.50" x 0.25" Condition:...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Earrings. 14k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Ruby cluster Clip Ons. Unpierced
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Designer earrings. World Renowned MIKIMOTO pearls. A cluster of pearls designed for unpierced ears. Pearls have amazing luster. Natural Round Rubies. Mid-century design wi...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pendant Sterling Silver. Mikimoto Pearl Heart Pendant Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. MIKIMOTO Sterling Silver Pearl Heart Pendant Pendant is Sterling Silver and Sterling Silver Cable Chain Necklace. Details: 16in length ch...
Pearl, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Cufflinks Sterling Silver 925 Genuine Mikimoto Pearl Cufflinks
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Genuine Mikimoto Cufflinks. 925 Sterling Silver with 6mm pearls Condition: Has some minor wear. 9.5grams total
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6 mm M335 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl brooch pin is made of sterling silver and has 10 Akoya ...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$151Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Tie Bar Sterling Silver 5.91 Grams
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Tie Bar Sterling Silver 6.73 mm 5.91 Grams M172 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl tie bar is made of sterling silver and has 1 Akoya Cul...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto 6.6MM Pearl 0.30 Carat Round Diamond 18K White Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Mikimoto Title: Mikimoto 1.00 Carat Pearl 0.30 Carat Round Brilliant G VS2 Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cuff Bracelet Style: Cuff Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Gemstone 1: 0.3 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Enamel Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
This Mikimoto ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features delicate enamel detailing. The vibrant enamel adds color and artistic flair, while the high-karat gold setting provides ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pendant. Genuine 18k Yellow Gold Mikimoto South Sea Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold MIKIMOTO South Sea Pearl and Diamond Drop Solitaire Pendant. Pendant is 18...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Bow Bracelet
By Mikimoto
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Product Features Design: A delicate yellow gold chain featuring a single, high-luster Akoya cultured pearl and a central, polished bow-tie motif. Signatures: The bracelet includes a ...
Mikimoto 14k Gold Top Quality Pearl & Mother Of Pearl Rectangular Cufflinks
By Mikimoto
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Mother Of Pearls - Custom Cut - Inlaid Set - White Color with Pink Overtone - 13.3x6.8mm each (approx.) (2) Genuine Cultured Pearls - Round Shape - White Co...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$239Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Pin Brooch Sterling Silver 7.47 Gr 5.50 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Pin Brooch Sterling Silver 7.47 Gr 5.50 mm M164 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate sterling silver brooch has 13 Saltwater Akoya Cultured Pearls ranging in size ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
$239Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Earrings Sterling Silver 5.75 mm 4.5 Grams
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Earrings Sterling Silver 5.75 mm 4.5 Grams M253 These elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl earrings are made of sterling silver and have 8 Akoya Cultured Pearls ranging in size from 4.2 - 5.75 mm with a weight of 4.5 grams. TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS! FREE SHIPPING DETAILS 8 Fine Quality Japanese Akoya Pearl Closure: Screw Back Measurements: 4.20 - 5.75 mm Weight: 4.5 Grams Metal: Sterling Silver These Authentic Mikimoto Akoya pearl earrings...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$143Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Tie Bar Sterling Silver 6.35 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Tie Bar Sterling Silver 6.35 mm M386 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl tie bar is made of sterling silver and has 1 Akoya Cultured Pearl...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$232Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Clip-on Earrings Sterling Silver 6.19 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Clip-On Earrings Sterling Silver 6.19 mm 3.20 Grams M435 These elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl clip-on earrings are made of sterling silver...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Brooch Sterling Silver 6 mm 5.24 Grams Estate
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Sterling Silver 6 mm 5.24 Grams M439 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate sterling silver brooch has 5 Saltwater Akoya Cultured Pearls...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Diamond Long Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This authentic estate brooch by Mikimoto is finely crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and reflects the house’s enduring dedication to elegance and detail. The sculptural open teardrop ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Pendant Heart Motif Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Mikimoto Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Length: 16.00 inches Weight: 7.57 Grams Lady's MIKIMOTO polished 18K yellow gold, pearl necklace. Engraved with "18K". The "M" tradem...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$232Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin 5-7 mm Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 5-7 mm 5.1 Grams M410 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate sterling silver brooch has 5 Saltwater Akoya Cultured Pearls rang...
Pearl, Silver
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Clip on Earrings Sterling Silver 3.53 Grams
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Clip On Earrings Sterling Silver 6 mm 3.53 Grams M173 These elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl clip-on earrings are made of sterling silver an...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Diamond South Sea Golden Pearl Gold Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An original piece by the “king of pearls” Mikimoto. It features a 11mm golden South Sea pearl which is perfectly round and blemish free, ju...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Cuff Links
By Mikimoto
Located in Honolulu, HI
Details: Designer: Mikimoto Style: Cuff Links Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 10.7 Grams Stamped: "K14" "M" Pearl Diameter: ~6.7 mm Front Measurements: 13 mm x 11 mm ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$236Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Leaf Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Leaf Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6.65 mm M297 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl brooch pin is made of sterling silver and has 1 Akoya Cul...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$232Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Cufflinks 6.5 mm Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Cufflinks 6.5 mm Sterling Silver M311 These elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl cufflinks are made of sterling silver and have 2 Akoya Cul...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 5.05 mm M279 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Silver brooch has 3 Saltwater Akoya Culture...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Leaf Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Leaf Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 4.5 mm M296 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya pearl brooch pin is made of sterling silver and has 5 Akoya Cult...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Diamond Cats Eye Blue Enamel Platinum and White Gold Band Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum And 18k White Gold Diamond Cats Eye Blue Enamel Band Ring by Mikimoto. With Diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight approximately .3.45ct 1 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 4.5 mm M270 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Silver brooch has 8 Saltwater Akoya Cultured...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Butterfly Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Chicago, IL
Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Butterfly Necklace. This necklace features a beautifully crafted butterfly design with a ~7mm Akoya cultured pearl, set in 18k yellow gold. The ...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Stained Glass Window Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Stained Glass Window Pendant Necklace by Mikimoto. With Beautiful Stained Glass Window Pendant Details: Length: 22" Pendant: 20mm x 53mm Weight: 11 grams Stamped Ha...
Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pendant. 18k Gold Mikimoto Triangle Pyramid graduated Pearl Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold MIKIMOTO Pearl Pyramid Pendant Pendant is 18k Mikimoto Hallmarked appropriately. Chain is 18k Mikimoto Details: 16...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 4.65 mm M280 This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate sterling silver brooch has 3 Saltwater A...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage Mikimoto Blue Enamel Yellow Gold Key Brooch Pin
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Blue Enamel Key Pin Brooch by Mikimoto. With Blue Enamel. Details: Measurements: 52mm x 18mm Weight: 8.9 grams Stamped Hallmarks: 18k...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Mikimoto Diamond Cultured Pearl White Gold Link Bracelet
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Cultured Pearl Link Bracelet by Mikimoto. With 213 round brilliant cut diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight approximately 7ct 7 cultured pearls 12mm eac...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
Mikimoto Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
This adorable pearl and diamond brooch from Mikimoto is the epitome of stylish charm. Set in 18k yellow gold. Refine your lifestyle. Measurements: 1.06" (27mm) width, 1.61" (41mm) le...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
MIKIMOTO 18K WHITE GOLD PEARL & DIAMOND PENDANT Mint condition 18k White Gold, Pearl, Diamonds Pendant dimension: 0.5x1.6” Diamond: 0.08ct R...
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto .5 Carat Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold French Horn Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Stamford, CT
Authentic 18k Mikimoto French Horn Brooch. 14 round Akoya Pearls are Mikimoto’s set in 18k yellow gold with 5 round accent diamonds. 5 round diamonds a...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold