Mikimoto, the Brand of Magical Pearls!

The brand was founded by a Japanese businessman, Kōkichi Mikimoto, a grower of semi-spherical pearls. In 1893, he and his wife cultivated the world’s first five cultured pearls. Following the demise of his wife, he terminated his previous business, a restaurant, and decided to concentrate on producing cultured pearls; his second love. In 1899, Kōkichi Mikimoto successfully established his first pearl boutique, the Mikimoto Pearl Store, in Ginza, Tokyo; the location for prominent Western fashion brands.

He was quick to win the approval of foreign jewelers; prompting Mikimoto to forward family members to the USA for enhancing his business prospects. The first factory for the brand was founded in Japan, soon to be followed by other establishments. In 1913, Mikimoto opened his first boutique outside Japan, in the city of London.

In fact, Mikimoto established seven international boutiques in major locations before the advent of the Second World War, inclusive of the renowned London’s New Bond Street and New York’s 5th Avenue. During all this time, he kept up his research for the maintenance of his jewelry designs which included the creation of necklaces. His ambition was to adorn the neck of every woman with pearls.

A successful figure in Japan

In 1924, Kōkichi Mikimoto became a renowned Japanese jeweler. Pearl connoisseurs had no reason to differentiate between natural and Mikimoto pearls. In 1927, Kōkichi Mikimoto met the famous inventor, Thomas Edison, and presented him with the Mikimoto pearl. Edison was very impressed and replied with, “This isn't a cultured pearl, it's a real pearl.” He further declared that his own laboratory was unable to create diamonds or pearls and that it was wonderful that Mikimoto was able to culture pearls; considering this to be a supposed biological impossibility.

Kōkichi Mikimoto was never dissuaded from his passion for growing cultured pearls but further motivated, by Edison’s words, to work hard. This resulted in the brand’s winning numerous awards, inclusive of the Diamonds International Award of the famed diamond dealer De Beers, in 1969. By this time, Mikimoto experienced an increase in demand for its jewelry products.

Mikimoto pearls, true treasures of jewelry

Adorn yourself with Mikimoto pearls on a special occasion to acquire a romantic and sophisticated look. The Miller House enables you to discover the most exquisite pieces of pre-owned jewelry: earrings, rings, bracelets, pendants and more; decorated with Mikimoto pearls at the best prices. You will definitely be enthralled by the beauty of these wondrous treasures.