My anniversary 1893 Mikimoto round clasp with a diamond push button, DOES have the "M" charm.
Here is what it says on the Mikimoto website:
You can always identify Mikimoto jewelry by our trademark, which is either the outline of an oyster or the Mikimoto name engraved on every piece. This engraved mark can be found in the following locations:
- Necklaces and bracelets: back of clasp. They are also fitted with a signature M charm. As the clasp is the only place in a strand or bracelet where the Mikimoto trademark is engraved, it is not possible to appraise a strand or a bracelet as genuine Mikimoto without it.
- Earrings: on post, earring nuts or back of earrings
- Rings: inside the shank
- Pendants: on the back of the bail
- Brooches: on the underside of the brooch
This was posted on forum.purseblog.com
I though it was very interesting! Good information...
Hi! I know this is a super old thread, but I am a huge fan of Mikimoto pearls and can help.
On the "M" charm, it started in the 2000s, and the "M" first was first at the first position (the first pearl after the clasp). I have a necklace where my "M" is in the first position and that necklace was purchased in 2008. The newer necklaces have the "M" charm in the third position. You can look at the Mikimoto website and old photos to see the difference.
On your strand, I would recommend you send it to Mikimoto to do two things:
1) Have it restrung and 2) Get it appraised.
I say this because they will confirm the exact size and grade of your necklace. Your pearls are Akoya, and the largest these pearls get is 10mm. An 8mm is a great size, but if they are 8.5mm, there is a bigger jump in price. Then when you get to 9-9.5mm, there is even a greater jump in price. So... you should know if they are 7.5mm-8.0mm or 8.0-8.5mm.... it makes a difference. The other thing they will tell you is the grade. AAA is the best and A1 is the lowest. That said, if your pearls are A1, it still means they are in the top 3% (something like that) of all pearls. So don't worry if they come back A1... really, you just want them to be confirmed as genuine Mikimoto. I have purchased A1, A, AA... and quite frankly, I some of my A1s look prettier than my A, so I wouldn't get hung up on that. The grade will also affect the pricing.
On pricing, the restringing is very reasonable. It is priced by the inch, and last time I restrung mine, it was $4.00 per inch. You can also purchase an "M" charm. They are about $110.00 each. Also, if you wish to lengthen your strand, Mikimoto can match your pearls and lengthen. Just imagine they can do anything, so while they are restringing them, it would be the time to make any adjustments (e.g. add the "M" charm).
Congratulations on your Mikimotos! I love love love MIkimotos and I am sure you will too. I bet they will not be your last strand either! Mikimoto pearls glow and are well worth the price. You got a great price on yours!
