Do Mikimoto pearls hold their value?

Yes, Mikimoto pearls tend to at least hold their value over time. In some cases, the value of the brand's pearl jewelry increases over time due to demand and the effects of inflation. Keep in mind that the value of any piece of jewelry depends on its condition. Properly storing and caring for your pieces can help to ensure that they retain their value for years to come. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Mikimoto pearl jewelry.

Are Mikimoto pearls Akoya?

No, not all Mikimoto pearls are Akoya. Mikimoto also uses Black South Sea cultured pearls, White South Sea cultured pearls, Golden South Sea cultured pearls, and Conch pearls to create their jewelry. Shop Mikimoto Akoya pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.

How much is a Mikimoto pearl necklace worth?

How much a Mikimoto pearl necklace is worth will depend on the size of the strand, the number of pearls used and the design. It could range from $920 to $21,000, with a wide variety of price points in between. From pendant and choker to multi-strand and rope versions, find Mikimoto pearl necklaces on 1stDibs.

Mikimoto 18k Pearl Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Mikimoto Grade AA Pearl Necklace

Unavailable

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Pearl Strand 18K Yellow Gold Bow Clasp

Unavailable

L 17.5 in

Mikimoto Pearl Strand 18K Yellow Gold Bow Clasp

By Mikimoto

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Mikimoto Pearl Strand 18K Yellow Gold Bow Clasp. Stamped 750 MI. 17 1/2 inch in length.

Category

2010s More Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Tahitian Pearl Necklace

Unavailable

H 1.02 in W 0.77 in

Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Tahitian Pearl Necklace

By Mikimoto

Located in Walnut Creek, CA

Mikimoto designed 18 karat white gold 8.8 mm Tahitian pearl pendant on 18" cable chain. Both pendant and chain contain the Mikimoto trademark stamp.

Category

1990s Japanese Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Mikimoto 18k White Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl Line Necklace MPQ10081AXXW

Unavailable

Mikimoto 18k White Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl Line Necklace MPQ10081AXXW

By Mikimoto

Located in Wilmington, DE

Mikimoto Pearls in Motion Pendant Necklace (MPQ10081AXXW). Necklace in white Akoya pearls 5.5-7.5mm of A+ quality. 18kt white gold Mikimoto signature clasp.

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Pendant in 18k White Gold Necklace PPS702W

Unavailable

Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Pendant in 18k White Gold Necklace PPS702W

By Mikimoto

Located in Wilmington, DE

Akoya cultured pearl 7-7.5mm 18K White Gold A+ Grade

Mikimoto Morning Dew Akoya Cultured Pearl Pendant PPA403DZ

Unavailable

Mikimoto Morning Dew Akoya Cultured Pearl Pendant PPA403DZ

By Mikimoto

Located in Wilmington, DE

With a delicate design of gemstones and pearls, the Morning Dew collection mimics the subtle glimmer of nature's dew drops. The chain of this necklace is 18-inches long, but it can a...

Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

2010s Japanese Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

South Sea Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

Sold

Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 18k Gold Certified

By Mikimoto

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Fine Quality Akoya Pearl Necklace by Mikimoto 18k Gold 17 Inches 8 mm Certified $4,950 921210 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry!

Category

1990s American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace

Sold

Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace

By Mikimoto

Located in Southampton, PA

Sumptuous and divine, this pendant necklace from Mikimoto is a real gem! The necklace is made of 18K yellow gold and features a brushed oval-shaped pendant studded with diamonds.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sold

L 15.5 in

Mikimoto 18K White Gold 7.6 mm Akoya Pearl Pendant Necklace

By Mikimoto

Located in Kobe, Hyogo

Item: Authentic MIKIMOTO 18K WHITE GOLD 7.6 MM AKOYA PEARL PENDANT NECKLACE Stone: Akoya Pearl Metal: 18K White Gold Chain Length: 15.55 inches (39.5 cm) Pearl size: 7.6 MM Weight: ...

Category

2010s Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

MIKIMOTO 18K White Gold Five-Pearl Necklace

Sold

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.

14k Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Enhancer w/ Faceted Bar Bead Chain Necklace

Located in Montclair, NJ

–Stone(s)– (1) Genuine Cultured Pearl - Round Shape - White color w/ light pink overtone - 8.29mm (approx.) (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant - Prong Set - White Color -...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Single-Strand Vintage Pearl Necklace with Sterling Silver Clasp

$2,080Sale Price|20% Off

L 22 in

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 sophistication. Crafted with exquisite vi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver

Mikimoto 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Cluster Pendant, Modern 20th Century

$799Sale Price|20% Off

L 1 in

Mikimoto 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Cluster Pendant, Modern 20th Century

By Mikimoto

Located in New York, NY

Authentic Mikimoto pearl pendant crafted in 14K yellow gold. Featuring a graceful swirl design accented with luminous cultured pearls. The sculptural gold form adds movement and eleg...

Category

20th Century Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

$460Sale Price|20% Off

18K Gold Adjustable Pearl Drop Necklace by Jen Proudman Jewelry, New

By Jen Proudman Jewelry

Located in New York, NY

18k Gold Adjustable Pearl Drop Necklace This 18k gold adjustable chain up to 18" pearl drop necklace features an AAA quality 8 mm freshwater pearl. Wear this necklace on its own fo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

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Mikimoto 18k Pearl Necklaces For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of mikimoto 18k pearl necklaces for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Find a collection of 101 vintage versions or 151 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 20th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of mikimoto 18k pearl necklaces includes designs that are universally popular, but Modern and Contemporary styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Browse our collection of 192 Pearl versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. There are many round cut, uncut and brilliant cut mikimoto 18k pearl necklaces for sale. When shopping our range of mikimoto 18k pearl necklaces, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.

How Much are Mikimoto 18k Pearl Necklaces?

On average, mikimoto 18k pearl necklaces at 1stDibs sell for $3,425, while they’re typically $585 on the low end and $404,766 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Mikimoto for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Pearl in Jewelry Design

The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn what to look for when shopping for vintage and antique pearl jewelry as well as how to tell the origin of a pearl with our handy primer.

Every woman at some point in her life desires a simple strand of pearls. They are elegant, timeless, versatile — just ask Coco Chanel or Jacqueline Kennedy — and valuable. In 1917, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand of natural pearls for a Fifth Avenue mansion, the Cartier brand’s flagship store ever since. And if you were born in the beginning of summer, pearl is the June birthstone.

It is possible to tell where a pearl originated from its appearance. Akoyas are usually round and white — the classic pearl, if you will. South Sea pearls are normally larger and vary in color; orangey yellow ones are not uncommon. Tahitian pearls are mostly black but can also be gray or brown, and between the Akoya and the South Sea varieties in size. Freshwater pearls, or Orientals, run the gamut in terms of color and size, but in shape, they tend to resemble Rice Krispies. Another important distinction is a round pearl versus a baroque pearl. A round pearl is self-explanatory, but there are two types of baroque pearls: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In general, the symmetrical variation commands a higher valuation. Within a strand of pearls, uniformity is prized — the more the individual pearls resemble one another, the more valuable the strand.

According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the earliest recorded mention of a pearl was in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. Centuries later, Christopher Columbus made it a point to visit pearl fisheries during his 15th-century exploration of the Caribbean. Since the late-19th century, the Japanese have been at the forefront of cultivating pearls, when jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl in 1893.

On 1stDibs, find vintage and antique pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other accessories.

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.

Questions About Mikimoto

Do Mikimoto pearls hold their value?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes, Mikimoto pearls tend to at least hold their value over time. In some cases, the value of the brand's pearl jewelry increases over time due to demand and the effects of inflation. Keep in mind that the value of any piece of jewelry depends on its condition. Properly storing and caring for your pieces can help to ensure that they retain their value for years to come. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Mikimoto pearl jewelry.
Are Mikimoto pearls Akoya?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
No, not all Mikimoto pearls are Akoya. Mikimoto also uses Black South Sea cultured pearls, White South Sea cultured pearls, Golden South Sea cultured pearls, and Conch pearls to create their jewelry. Shop Mikimoto Akoya pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes, Mikimoto pearls are Akoya, meaning they come from Akoya oysters. The brand largely pioneered the production of cultured pearls, which are genuine pearls developed with human assistance. Mikimoto creates Akoya pearl necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings and brooches. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Mikimoto pearl jewelry.
How much is a Mikimoto pearl necklace worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
How much a Mikimoto pearl necklace is worth will depend on the size of the strand, the number of pearls used and the design. It could range from $920 to $21,000, with a wide variety of price points in between. From pendant and choker to multi-strand and rope versions, find Mikimoto pearl necklaces on 1stDibs.