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!