Mikimoto

Mikimoto is a Japanese jeweler founded in 1899 by Mikimoto Yukiyoshi in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on the field of cultured pearls. Founder Yukiyoshi Mikimoto cultivated the world's first semicircular pearl in 1893 and round pearl culture in 1905.

Mikimoto's early works covered accessories commonly used by the Japanese, such as rings, kimonos with buckles, hairpins, etc., and the product line gradually expanded to various types of jewelry set with diamonds and colored stones. Its design style incorporates the aesthetics of the Orientals and combines advanced Western processing techniques such as ball trimming, pearl set setting, and engraving.

Mikimoto's founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, was born in 1858 in Toba, Shima Peninsula, and his hometown of Ise is rich in natural pearls, but the number of Akoya female shellfish that inhabits the local ocean has been decreasing year after year due to overfishing, so Mikimoto Yukiyoshi decided to try artificial cultivation of pearls.

In 1888, Mikimoto applied for a loan to establish the first mother-of-pearl farm, and worked with his wife to study the method of pearl culture, successively trying to put lead, wood, glass, sand, etc. into the body of the mother oyster, and his farmed Akoya mother oyster was also affected by the red tide several times.

In 1893, Mikimoto Koyoshi successfully cultivated the world's first semicircular pearl at Toba's Ayoshima Island (now renamed "Mikimoto Pearl Island"). Subsequently, in 1905, he successfully realized the cultivation of round pearls, and began the artificial cultivation of black and white pearls, known as the "King of Pearls".

In 1899, Mikimoto Yukiyoshi opened the first "Mikimoto Pearl Shop" specializing in pearl products in Ginza, Tokyo, and opened the first overseas branch in London, England in 1913, and then opened stores in New York and Paris.

In order to combine traditional Japanese craftsmanship with European processing techniques, Mikimoto Yukiyoshi encouraged employees to study in Europe and opened Japan's first accessories processing factory, "Mikimoto Gold Jewelry Processing Factory", in which Mikimoto's jewelry technicians were best at engraving, pearl group setting, ball trimming, and clamp setting Wait.

In 1924, Mikimoto was designated a royal jeweler by the Japanese Ministry of Miauchi, and all accessories worn by members of the Japanese imperial family were designed and made by Mikimoto.

In 1972, the company officially changed its name to Mikimoto AG, and its product line gradually expanded to jewelry set with diamonds and colored stones, and stores were opened in global fashion landmarks such as 5th Avenue in New York, Place Vendôme in Paris, and New Bond Street in London.

1893 Mikimoto Yukiyoshi successfully cultivates the world's first hemispherical pearl.

1899 Mikimoto Pearl Shop opens in Ginza, Tokyo.

1905 Mikimoto Yukiyoshi successfully cultivates round pearls.

1907 Mikimoto Gold Jewelry Processing Factory, Japan's first accessories processing plant, opened in Tokyo.

1913 Mikimoto Yukiyoshi opens his first overseas branch in London, England.

In 1924, Mikmoto became designated as a supplier of imperial jewelry to the Japanese Ministry of Miyauchi.

In 1952, Mikimoto reorganized to form Mikimoto Pearl Co., Ltd.

1954 Mikimoto Yukiyoshi dies in the same year.

1972 Mikimoto Pearl Co., Ltd. merged with Mikimoto Pearl Company to form K Mikimoto & Co.

In 1993, Mikimoto held a centenary celebration of the success of cultured pearls, and Japan's first professional jewelry library, the Mikimoto Library, was completed.

In 1994, Mikimoto participated in the World's Fair in Mie Prefecture, Japan.

In 1999, Mikimoto held a centenary celebration in Ginza, Tokyo.

2000 Mikimoto participates in the Diamond Pristine Exhibition at the National Science Museum in Tokyo.

In 2002, Mikimoto became the official sponsor jeweler of the Miss Universe contest.

Classic series

Contemporary series

Pearls in Motion series

Milano series

Mikimoto Exclusives series

Wonderland series