Is Mikimoto Brand New Worth it?

[Youngwriter16]

Hi pearl lovers! After experiencing a few strands of vintage Mikimoto pearls, I am considering buying one brand new. Is it worth the thousands of dollars or will a high quality akoya strand from pearl source be near the MK quality?

Also, if I have a nice vintage pair, is a brand new one from store worth it? I personally only notice the difference between the two when they are side by side, and it’s no comparison, but I still think the vintage pearls are beautiful and significantly nicer than most akoya pearls on the market. (I’ve attached some pics of my vintage strands for context)

Love to get your thoughts!

 

[Yens]

No need to go full on brand name. But you can talk to @jshepherd and they can do a video call with you on high quality MK comparables.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I also suggest checking with Pearl Paradise. Jeremy and Hisano are very helpful.

 

[Youngwriter16]

No need to go full on brand name. But you can talk to @jshepherd and they can do a video call with you on high quality MK comparables.

That sounds great, thank you!

 

[Youngwriter16]

I also suggest checking with Pearl Paradise. Jeremy and Hisano are very helpful.

Thank you!!!

 

[A Breaker]

I agree with the others... People will notice stunning pearls, but very, very few will notice the clasp & ID Mikimoto. I often wonder if that is how the trend of designer t-shirt with brand across the front started...

 

[Youngwriter16]

I agree with the others... People will notice stunning pearls, but very, very few will notice the clasp & ID Mikimoto. I often wonder if that is how the trend of designer t-shirt with brand across the front started...

I generally agree. I was curious if the quality of Mikimoto (new) was so superior that it was noticeable against other high quality pearls, but I guess not.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I think only their AAA grade would be noticeably more lustrous, but the price tag...!

 

[BWeaves]

Mikimoto has different qualities of pearls. "A" is their LOWEST quality. Miki's quality range goes -A, A, A+, -AA, AA, AA+, -AAA, AAA, AAA+.

While Miki's are good quality, you can get a Hamadama or Tenyo strand from Pearl Paradise for much less money than Mikimoto sells a comparable strand. With Miki's you're paying for the brand name.

 

[Youngwriter16]

I think only their AAA grade would be noticeably more lustrous, but the price tag...!

Yeaaa the price tag is

 

[Youngwriter16]

Mikimoto has different qualities of pearls. "A" is their LOWEST quality. Miki's quality range goes -A, A, A+, -AA, AA, AA+, -AAA, AAA, AAA+.

While Miki's are good quality, you can get a Hamadama or Tenyo strand from Pearl Paradise for much less money than Mikimoto sells a comparable strand. With Miki's you're paying for the brand name.

That makes sense to me. Is Pearl Source okay too, or would you recommend Pearl Paradise over Pearl Source?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Pearl Paradise for me. I've bought a lot from them and nothing from the other.

 

[ennui]

Another vote for Pearl Paradise. Jeremy, Hisano, and their team are super helpful. Try a virtual appointment.

 

[Youngwriter16]

Thank you all!

 

[BWeaves]

I've never bought from Pearl Source. I've bought a lot from Pearl Paradise. They treat you right.

 

[Shani]

That makes sense to me. Is Pearl Source okay too, or would you recommend Pearl Paradise over Pearl Source?

I have bought a few things from Pearl Source. I was very happy with the purchases, but they weren't top of the line pearls. I feel that if I were going to make the investment, i would reach out to Takahashi Pearl via Instagram OR deal with PP. I don't know if I would trust the higher quality from Pearl Source. Although, they do have a return policy so that is one way to make sure you love what you buy!

 

[CortezPearls]

For Akoya pearls? I would only do Pearl Paradise in the United States. Amazing quality and affordable too!

 

[KarinK]

I think you would only buy new Mikimoto if the brand is part of the experience. For some it is. It gives them extra joy to be able to name the pearls they are wearing, it may them feel more happy about the pearls, it will be easier for their friends and family to understand what they are wearing and they can feel, not without reason, that they will drop less in value overtime. Personally, I like to buy what is not a brand name at a lower price and the same quality - whether pearls or anything else

 

[J.lee]

Youngwriter, are those mikis yours? What is the size of the pearl with the current clasp and have they lost its luster? That’s a good size from the pics u posted. Is the clasp sterling (super vintage) or WG?

I bought my MIL the graduated strand 7-9mm in 2008 as a wedding gift with a 10% discount for $2200. Then around 2013 I bought my mom the same strand for $3200. Now they go for $9400.

Even though they are the lowest quality of mikis they are still very nice. I can not compare them to Hamadan’s as I’ve never seen those in person. I’m sure there’s photos floating somewhere comparing it to mikis.

I’ve seen mikis on the secondary market within the year 2000s prices. I’ve just recently purchased a 38yr old miki rope (52”) and it looks new. Hasn’t lost its luster. I think it was barely worn and I got super lucky.

Some wear their clasp slightly near the shoulders to have the clasp peeping out. Definitely an iconic clasp. My mom just gave me hers as she hasn’t worn them and since it’s graduated, I can’t wear the clasp that way.

I don’t know if I could get myself to purchase a new miki strand. I don’t think I could purchase the Hanadama either. I just checked the prices online. But if I could find mikis in 8mm around $2k, I think I would jump on them.

As for pearl paradise vs pearl source, I’ve seen a video on YouTube a while back. Someone posted a strand from both vendors and ended keeping the PP strand. I can’t remember if the size and quality were similar or not.

 

[J.lee]

Also wanted to add, mikis were know as the best of the best. Idk if that holds true anymore.