Want to treat yourself or a loved one to a classic gift of Mikimoto pearls, without paying today’s exorbitant prices? Enjoy a beautiful 16-inch strand of vintage Mikimoto pearls purchased directly in Tokyo, along with accompanying historical pamphlets (and the original receipt from April 1970). The 63-pearl strand was purchased for me when I was a toddler, and were rarely handled for 4+ decades, especially after being appraised as having Excellent luster. The warm, light cream pearls with a rosé overtone are 5.5 to 6 mm in size and are noted on the accompanying appraisal as being Excellent in size matching as well. The strand is joined by a 10K white gold clasp that is of the Filigree fishhook style (appraised as gold, and stamped 10kg as shown in picture).

My mom's friend purchased the pearls on my behalf from Mikimoto in Tokyo, and then they were professionally strung elsewhere. I flew the strand to Mikimoto in Japan, so they could be verified as being real Mikimoto pearls for the appraisal then done by a certified gemologist in Seattle (the U.S. gemologist who sent them to Japan handled verification conversations and final appraisal, which is included as an image).

The pearls come in the original red velveteen box marked Mikimoto, and an outer, cardboard carrying box (that has a split in the ‘seam’ at one corner of the lid that does not hamper use). In addition, you get to enjoy a bit of history by owning an accompanying Mikimoto-stamped pearl cleaning cloth, a 1969 Mikimoto booklet about the history of cultured pearls and their care, and another Mikimoto booklet from the same time period titled The Art of Selecting Cultured Pearls.

• • 63 pearls, Excellent luster and matching, acceptable nacre thickness, light surface blemishing, from 5.5mm – 6.0 mm size diameter pearls
  • 16-inch graduated pearl necklace
  • 10K white gold clasp, Filigree fishhook style (because the pearls were strung after the fact, the clasp may not be an official Mikimoto one)
  • Appraisal key page included, which notes strand was verified as Mikimoto pearls (Aug. 2019) before a 5-page appraisal was done that I'd share by a Graduate Gemologist (GIA)/Certified Gemologist Appraiser (AGS)
  • Comes with 1) original red velveteen storage case 2) original protective box for that case that has light discoloring and a torn corner on the lid and box bottom, but works for storage, 3) original Mikimoto-stamped cleaning cloth from 1970 with 1 small mark on it 4) two historical pamphlets from Japan, and 5) the original 1970 Japanese purchase receipt. Enjoy this treasure and all the historical touches during your holiday season.