Mikimoto Very Fine and Very Rare Akoya 4 Strand Pearl Necklace Diamond Clasps
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Dimensions:Length: 68.5 in (1,739.9 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1990's
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Bay Harbor Islands, FL
- Reference Number:
Mikimoto
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Bay Harbor Islands, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Platinum and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Open Lattice Bead Work NecklaceLocated in Bay Harbor Islands, FLThis beautifully crafted bead work open lattice necklace features two layers of beads giving the necklace depth the mixture of white and yellow beads....Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
- Fine Colombian Emerald and Diamond EarringsBy Regent JewelersLocated in Bay Harbor Islands, FLFine Colombian Emerald and Diamond Earrings featuring 68 round brilliant cut fine Colombian emeralds with a total weight of 15.5...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Reversible Enamel Seed Pearl Cut Diamond Gold Indian NecklaceLocated in Bay Harbor Islands, FLNecklace made in India, set with rose cut diamonds, seed pearls, semi-precious stones and enamel. Necklace is reversible, and is 15 inches long.Category
Early 2000s Indian Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
- Gray Tahitian Pearl and Diamond EarringsLocated in Bay Harbor Islands, FL14.8 MM Gray Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Earrings with detachable seed pearl drops set in 18 karat white gold. This wonderful pair of earrings featu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Drop Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
- 1800's Natural Pearl and Diamond PinLocated in Bay Harbor Islands, FLNatural pearl and old mine cut diamond brooch set in silver topped gold.Category
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Natural Pearl, Gold Plate
- Lepine Paris Very Rare Enameled Objet d'Art WatchLocated in Bay Harbor Islands, FLObjet d'art watch in the shape of an egg. It has romantic scenes in enamel on cooper with a gilt brass fusee movement and round baluster pillars. This piece ...Category
Antique Late 18th Century French Enamel Frames and Objects
MaterialsBase Metal, Copper, Enamel
- Poiray Multi Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace Gold ClaspBy PoirayLocated in Geneva, CHElegant and timeless torsade necklace made of 15 strands of Akoya pearls. Features a 18K gold (yellow, white, pink) clasp with Poiray maker's mark. Wrist Lenght: 42 cm Condition: V...Category
Vintage 1980s French Multi-Strand Necklaces
MaterialsPearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage Mikimoto Graduated Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace Silver ClaspBy MikimotoLocated in Mona Vale, NSWVintage Mikimoto Fine Pearl Strand Mikimoto are world renowned for their pearl quality and standards. This vintage necklace is strung with 79 Akoya cultured Pearls that have a cream...Category
20th Century Japanese Retro Beaded Necklaces
MaterialsPearl, Silver
- Two-Strand Akoya Pearl Choker Necklace with Sapphire Spacers & 14K Diamond ClaspBy Eytan BrandesLocated in Sherman Oaks, CAThis versatile, sexy choker features two strands (16" and 15.5") of alternating Akoya cultured saltwater pearls and tiny cube-shaped sapphire beads. When your feeling fancy-shmancy,...Category
2010s American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
MaterialsSapphire, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14...
- Mikimoto Silver & Cream Pearl 3-Strand Diamond NecklaceBy MikimotoLocated in Rome, ITMikimoto 18K White Gold 7.3-11.1 mm Grayish Silver & Cream Pearl 3-Strand Diamond Choker NecklaceCategory
2010s Japanese Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
- Mikimoto Double Strand Cultured Pearl Diamond Gold NecklaceBy MikimotoLocated in Stamford, CT1960's Authentic certified Mikimoto double strand cultured pearl diamond necklace. Japanese cultured pearls with 22 full cut accent diamonds. 17...Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces
MaterialsCultured Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
- Diamond & Ruby Multi-Strand Akoya Pearl NecklaceLocated in Bloomington, MNGlorious Diamond & Ruby Multi-Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace Experience the epitome of luxury with this exquisite necklace, meticulously crafted in radiant 14k white gold. At its heart lies a constellation of 1.51 carat total weight round diamonds, each selected for its SI clarity, ensuring a captivating shimmer. These diamonds radiate a near-colorless brilliance, enhancing the necklace's sophisticated charm. Elevating its elegant clasp further, the necklace is punctuated with luminous 1.60ctw rubies, presenting a harmonious sparkle. Enhancing this beautiful necklace is 7.5mm cultured Akoya multi...Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold