pearl jewelry information

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.

Selecting Your Pearls - Luster, Color, Surface Perfection
For beautiful pearls, the most important factors are luster and nacre thickness. Luster deepens with each magical layering of Nature's "nacre", the same glowing iridescent and pearly substance which lines the oyster shell. Nacre thickness is basically determined by the length of time the pearl is in the oyster . . . 2 to 3 years . . . and the natural environment which surrounds the healthy oyster. During this period, the thousands of layers of nacre necessary to create a pearl of the highest quality and greatest value are formed.

Surface perfection is also a major factor in evaluating pearls to meet the Mikimoto standards. Tiny marks seen on pearls are part of their natural texture, and do not detract from their beauty or value unless excessive.

Elegant lustrous pearls reflect their colors as glowing inner lights. There is an infinite variety of subtle shadings in pearls . . . cream, green, blue and pinks. The most popular are whitish and pinkish rose, as these are the shades that flatter many skin tones. Whichever . . . the choice of color is personal, but it should be rich and even throughout.

Careful sorting and matching of color, luster and surface perfection are the foundation of the quality standards of each fine Mikimoto creation.

Shapes and Kinds of Pearls
Since Nature is the "master sculpture" of every pearl created in the world's ocean waters, each has its unique characteristics . . . a pattern that sets it apart as a creation rare and wonderful.

The round or spherical pearl is the rarest of all . . and the most in demand. Concentrically perfect round pearls are the only ones acceptable for Mikimoto's necklaces which are strung in a variety of uniform and graduated lengths.

South Sea pearls are sought for their large size and beautiful colorings. Of special interest are the lovely silvery gem-pearls from the warm waters of Australia, Burma and the Philippines, while from Tahiti and Okinawa come the very valuable black pearls of rare size and colorings. It may take several harvest years to collect enough perfectly matched gems for one necklace.

Pearls of exotic shapes . . . teardrops, oval, button and baroque . . . lend themselves to the creation of exquisite jewelry designs. Fresh water pearls, cultivated in various lakes and recognized by their elongated free-form shapes, are also used extensively.

How to Care for Your Pearl Jewelry
Keep in mind that pearls can be affected by harsh perfume and cosmetics, and the natural body oils that tend to build up with constant wear. It is wise to remove your pearl jewelry when applying perfume, lotions, cosmetics or when bathing. To keep your pearls looking beautifully lustrous, wipe them with a soft cloth after each wearing. If your pearls become very soiled, they can be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Constant wear can weaken the necklace string. Therefore, it is advisable to have your necklace or bracelet restrung once a year to keep it looking beautiful.

Guide to Pearl Necklaces
The length of necklace is measured in inches. Please see the guide for proper lengths.

Popular lengths for uniform necklaces are approximately: