| Hi Mike,
The lady was absolutely right. Mikimoto has a definite clasp code for all their standard lines. That means even if you completely destroy the pearls, their original design line, quality grade, and decade of production can still be concluded from the clasp alone. There is one proviso, though. Sooner or later depending on frequency of wear and klutziness of user, the clasp will break. If you do not want to spend the (exorbitant amount of) money to have it replaced with an original Mikimoto spare, you will render your pearls virtually unsellable. Only the very old Mikimotos (pre 1938) are actually collectible for the merit of the pearls alone. After 1938, Mikimoto pearls are pure brand collectibles and basically lose all their added value as soon as the clasp as an identifier is gone. So, basically, if you buy a Mikimoto today 90% of your purchase price go for a designer clasp, box, and papers.
Zeide |