Mikimoto identification, mums passed now I'm sorting 😓

MatthewFlinders

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Jul 8, 2025
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Hi all. Sorting through mums stuff and have some Mikimoto pearls but not sure if they are run of the mill or something special. I've put a few photos. How does one know if they are 'Akoya' as they seem extra valuable. These appear to have minor flaws and I wouldn't say are perfect pearls. I've included pics of the clasp (looks like it's missing a pearl on the clasp) as well as wanting to know if you think the (mother of pearl?) cufflinks belong to the other Mikimoto box. Thanks so much!
 

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The clasp does appear to be Mikimoto and yes,they are akoyas.
Mikimoto's pearl jewelry comes in lower (but still good) grades and higher grades.

I dont know anything about the cufflinks. Do they have the "M in a shell" mark also?
 
Akoyas are a lot more valuable? How does one tell they are Akoyas? I was going to list them for a few hundred dollars, is that not enough?

No there are no markings at all on the cufflinks which is why I'm unsure

Thanks for your reply
 
They are definitely akoyas, take my word for it. That is what Mikimoto does best and what they are primarily known for.

Used (pre-owned) pearls unfortunately don't sell for a lot of money. But many people value the Mikimoto brand name and will pay more for their pearls than they might for an unbranded strand.

However, your necklace needs to be cleaned and restrung, and the clasp either replaced or else cleaned and the pearl replaced. Mikimoto charges a lot -- hundreds-- for these services. Someone buying your strand will factor that cost into what they are willing to pay.

You can look on eBay at SOLD Mikimoto necklaces to get an idea of what a strand similar to yours might sell for. Remember gold is very expensive now so a necklace with a gold clasp will go for more than one with a silver clasp. Then price it accordingly. If it doesn't sell, you can lower the price as needed.
Or you could list it as an auction, with the starting price the minimum you would be satisfied to get for it, and let the market decide the final price.

As to the cufflinks, do a search on eBay for similar mother-of-pearl cufflinks. But if they have no markings, they may be base metal.
 
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