![]() After World War II, Mikimoto opened stores in New York City, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Shanghai and Bombay, further solidifying international reach and recognition. Mikimoto became the unofficial ambassador of Japan’s pearl trade and the embodiment of its reputation for refined goods of the highest quality. He continued onward with displays of grandeur that were increasingly luxurious and opulent a miniature model of Mount Vernon embellished with 24,328 pearls at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, a stunning pearl model of the Liberty Bell studded with 12,250 pearls and 366 diamonds, nicknamed “the Million Dollar Bell”, was unveiled at the 1939 New York World's Fair. In 1932, in a genius stroke of theater, Mikimoto burned “inferior” pearls while an audience of international press looked on. At the 1926 Philadelphia World's Fair, a five-story platinum pagoda was festooned with 12,000 gleaming cultured pearls. At the 1910 Anglo-Japanese Fair in London he embellished an unforgettable Japanese screen and fan with pearls. Ever the consummate salesman, Mikimoto participated in worldwide exhibitions, choosing to create lavish centerpieces rather just displaying his wares. In 1899, he opened his first boutique in Tokyo, soon followed by London, Paris and other prominent cities around the world by 1913. ![]() Among them was another patent for culturing mantle tissue, granted in 1908, the cultivation of the renowned 10 millimeter South Sea pearl, and a large, opulent black pearl in the warm, deep waters off the coast of Okinawa. The following decades saw Mikimoto continue the advancement of pearl cultivation science and greater accomplishments. Three years later, he had secured his first patent for the production of pearls - cultured pearls - and produced the first fully spherical pearl in 1905. Born inside one of them were the fruits of Mikimoto’s labours. On July 11, 1893, his wife, Ume, retrieved a basket of oysters for inspection. Mikimoto Pearls are bornĪfter years of research and failed experiments, and despite the nature’s best efforts to stymie success, including oyster-eating octopi and the infamous "red tide”, Mikimoto’s efforts prevailed. ![]() He increased his efforts, focused on Akoya oysters and experimented with seeding them with an irritant particle to stimulate the nacre secretion that resulted in the thousands of layers required to create a glistening pearl. Mikimoto was shaken by the malformed, immature pearls sold by an industry corrupt from greed and lack of pride in quality. In 1878, he helped organize and judge a pearl exhibition. By this time, his reputation as a perfectionist and an expert in the trade had reached Japan’s Imperial Court. Their increasing rarity made them continually more valuable, and the voracious cycle prompted Mikimoto to explore growing pearls within the oysters of his own protected beds. Years passed and pearls became more scarce. Mikimoto pursued the trade with intensity and gained a measure of success. International trade arrived in Japan in the early 1850s, and in his port town of Toba on the Shima peninsula, pearls were the most valuable local commodity. Kokichi Mikimoto became the eldest son and, at the tender age of 11, was compelled to leave school and sell vegetables to help support the family after his father fell ill. On January 25, 1858, a boy was born to a noodle-shop owner and his wife a boy whose influence on nature’s production of beauty will stand the test of time. Mikimoto pieces can be identified by the trademark outline of an oyster, a distinctive engraving of the Mikimoto name, or the signature “M” logo charm. Mikimoto jewelry has become synonymous with only the finest quality materials - platinum or 18k gold, all-natural gemstones that haven’t been irradiated or color treated in any way, and the highest quality silk thread. Thus began a lifelong pursuit to fulfill his dream of "adorning the necks of all women around the world with pearls.” For over a century, this dream has lived on through the company that carries his name with honor and pride, and continues to dedicate itself to the pursuit of beauty. In 1893, Mikimoto's founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, successfully created the first cultured pearls. ![]() Mikimoto is the premier producer and designer of the world’s highest quality pearls and pearl jewelry.
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