Mikimoto

Japanese jeweller that developed cultured pearls and made them a global product.

Kokichi Mikimoto was the son of a noodle seller in Toba and experimented with getting oysters to form pearls. In 1893 he obtained a semi-spherical pearl, and later round pearls, and he patented the technique.

He opened a shop in Ginza in Tokyo and then in London, Paris and New York. Cultured pearls made pearl necklaces available to many more people, and Mikimoto is still one of the famous names.

Pearls with high lustre and clasps with Mikimoto's signature or stamp.

Jewellery in gold or platinum with Mikimoto's name engraved.

• Jewellery