| An ID would not be feasible unless purchased on the ground at the source. The best idea would be to simply select the thickest nacre.
As far as I know Mikimoto processing is not different. But their top grade is the best in the best in the world. They create this grade, which is Hanadama, by selecting the best pearls.
Although Mikimoto has a farm in Japan they do not really farm pearls. It is more of a tourist stop. They buy akoya pearls from farms in Japan and Korea, from what I have heard.
They also buy top grade South Sea at auction. They get the top grade because they are willing to spend more than wholesale value because they charge a fortune for everything they sell.
When you have the ability to sell a strand of pearls for $25,000 that hardly any other sellers sell for more than $1,5000, you have a lot of control over your product. |