Pearls, like diamonds or fine wine, have their own unique qualities by which they are judged. Because pearls are truly "national treasures" to the Japanese, its government fully regulates the export of its pearls.
Of all the cultured pearls harvested annually in Japan, approximately 20% are deemed worthless and are destroyed. About half of the remaining quantity meet government standards for export. Of those exported pearls, only 3% will meet MIKIMOTO's exclusive standard of excellence, the standard that distinguishes MIKIMOTO from all others.
