Mikimoto is a Japanese luxury jewelry house founded in 1893 by Kokichi Mikimoto in Toba, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Kokichi Mikimoto is credited with creating the first cultured pearl in 1893 and subsequently developing the techniques for commercial pearl cultivation that transformed the global pearl industry. The company remains privately held.
Mikimoto's contribution to the jewelry industry is fundamental: before the development of cultured pearls, natural pearls were among the rarest and most expensive gemstones, available only to royalty and the extremely wealthy. By developing methods to cultivate Akoya pearls (and later South Sea and other pearl varieties), Mikimoto made pearl jewelry accessible to a far wider audience while maintaining high quality standards.
The brand is known for the strict quality criteria applied to its pearls, which are graded for luster, surface quality, shape, and color. Only a small percentage of harvested pearls meet Mikimoto's standards for use in its jewelry. The company operates its own pearl farms and maintains control over the cultivation process.
Mikimoto's jewelry collections feature Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, and Golden South Sea pearls in designs ranging from classic pearl strands to contemporary gold and diamond-set pieces. Key collections include the M Collection (modern everyday designs), Jeux de Rubans (ribbon-inspired pieces), and high jewelry creations presented at international exhibitions. The brand also produces bridal jewelry and men's accessories.
Mikimoto operates boutiques in major cities worldwide, including its flagship in the Ginza district of Tokyo. Retail prices generally start at approximately $500 for pearl stud earrings and extend to over $1,000,000 for high jewelry pearl creations with exceptional South Sea and natural pearls. The brand sells through its boutiques, authorized retailers, and e-commerce platform.