Is Mikimoto Brand New Worth it?

[Pearl Dreams]

Perhaps the best Mikis are the best of the best. But not all their lower grades, lovely as they are, or "best" doesn't mean anything.

 

[J.lee]

yes, yes. I‘ve come to learn that branding means nothing! Why pay more??

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I read on Pricescope that in Japan Mikimoto calls their top grade pearls "Best of the Best", while in the USA the company uses "AAA" for their top grade earrings and "Reserve" for their top grade strands.

The brand means something to some people. I think that is clearly the case. And no judgment; we all have our own family histories and reasons why we prefer any given thing over any other given thing. But it doesn't matter to me-- not for pearls, anyway.

 

[BWeaves]

I have a strand of Blue Lagoon, which is Miki's lower grade brand, and they are very, very good quality. Miki's at any of their levels are very good quality, but the prices are way too high because you're paying for the brand name. I can get better value at Pearl Paradise or Pearls of Joy, or any of the good online vendors for the same quality pearls.

That said, I've bought a couple of pairs of Miki earrings, because the findings were not like anything I'd seen elsewhere, and I love them. When I bought these, they were $1100. I wouldn't buy them at $2250. I could get a full necklace for that price. But there is a lot of 18K gold in these earrings, and the price of gold is through the roof right now.

Classic Elegance Akoya Cultured Pearl Hoop Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold

6.5mm Akoya cultured pearls set in 18k yellow gold.

www.mikimotoamerica.com

 

[Pearl Dreams]

New Mikis are very good quality. Vintage Mikis may or may not still be in very good shape. Not everyone cares for their pearls properly, and even if they do, skin acidity takes its toll on nacre over time. Buying pre-owned pearls is a bit of a crapshoot no matter the brand, unless you can see them in person before buying.

But of course this thread's title is about the value of new Mikis.