MajorsMar 18, 2021
Mikimoto Cuts Ribbon on New FlagshipCollectionsJun 29, 2023
This Is How Mikimoto Is Celebrating 130 Years of Cultured Pearls
The company has a new collection and a new campaign that serves as a love letter to the sea.
A white South Sea cultured pearl necklace in 18-karat white gold with sapphire rondelles from Mikimoto’s 130th anniversary collection ($210,000). The company is marking the milestone with a new campaign.
New York—Mikimoto is celebrating its 130th anniversary in style.
The company’s founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, created the first cultured pearl in 1893 in Japan, launching an entirely new industry.
In celebration of the milestone, the company has been rolling out a multi-part anniversary campaign, beginning with its “Love Letter to the Sea” earlier this year.
The six-part film series highlights the brand’s connection to and love for the sea, a partnership it hopes to honor with its ongoing sustainability efforts.
“Mikimoto has always been dedicated to the beauty of pearls, channeling its hopes and dreams into works of jewelry,” said the company. “This year, Mikimoto will further continue its efforts to promote coexistence with nature, especially with the sea, where the pearls are nurtured.”
Mikimoto said it will continue its pearl research and its work to implement a zero-emissions pearl farming system that can collect and recycle the waste from the process.
Reaching its zero-emissions goal has been a work in progress since 2009, said the company.
Previously, when pearls were harvested, the shells and flesh were thrown away, though the adductor muscles were used for food.
Now, Mikimoto, alongside its partners, reuse and recycle the waste. Collagen and conchiolin, also known as pearl protein, are extracted to be used in cosmetics and dietary supplements while oyster shells are repurposed for decorative use.
“Mikimoto will continue its efforts to promote sustainable pearl farming while preserving biodiversity and ecosystems,” said the company.
Of course, the anniversary celebration wouldn’t be complete without pearl jewelry.
Mikimoto recently debuted its 130th anniversary collection, which is a mix of new and existing jewels and serves as a curation of its special and limited-edition jewelry.
The collection is comprised of minimalist pearl pendants and studs, as well as dramatic pearl strands and colorful brooches.
SEE: Mikimoto’s 130th Anniversary Collection
The company’s founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, created the first cultured pearl in 1893 in Japan, launching an entirely new industry.
In celebration of the milestone, the company has been rolling out a multi-part anniversary campaign, beginning with its “Love Letter to the Sea” earlier this year.
The six-part film series highlights the brand’s connection to and love for the sea, a partnership it hopes to honor with its ongoing sustainability efforts.
“Mikimoto has always been dedicated to the beauty of pearls, channeling its hopes and dreams into works of jewelry,” said the company. “This year, Mikimoto will further continue its efforts to promote coexistence with nature, especially with the sea, where the pearls are nurtured.”
Mikimoto said it will continue its pearl research and its work to implement a zero-emissions pearl farming system that can collect and recycle the waste from the process.
Reaching its zero-emissions goal has been a work in progress since 2009, said the company.
Previously, when pearls were harvested, the shells and flesh were thrown away, though the adductor muscles were used for food.
Now, Mikimoto, alongside its partners, reuse and recycle the waste. Collagen and conchiolin, also known as pearl protein, are extracted to be used in cosmetics and dietary supplements while oyster shells are repurposed for decorative use.
“Mikimoto will continue its efforts to promote sustainable pearl farming while preserving biodiversity and ecosystems,” said the company.
Of course, the anniversary celebration wouldn’t be complete without pearl jewelry.
Mikimoto recently debuted its 130th anniversary collection, which is a mix of new and existing jewels and serves as a curation of its special and limited-edition jewelry.
The collection is comprised of minimalist pearl pendants and studs, as well as dramatic pearl strands and colorful brooches.
SEE: Mikimoto’s 130th Anniversary Collection
The “Jardin Mystérieux” conch and Akoya cultured pearl brooch (price available upon request)
Mikimoto “Ocean” earrings in 18-karat white gold with blue sapphires and Akoya cultured pearls ($3,750)
Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl bracelet with blue enamel in silver ($640)
Mikimoto conch and Akoya cultured pearl necklace in 18-karat white gold, set with 16.3 carats of diamonds and a 3.24 carat conch pearl ($246,000)
Mikimoto “Splash” pendant in 18-karat gold set with diamonds and sapphires and Akoya cultured pearls ($21,000)
Mikimoto multi-colored pearl necklace set in 18-karat yellow gold with white, black and golden South Sea pearls. ($140,000)
“To commemorate Mikimoto’s 130th anniversary this year, we are not only honoring Mikimoto as the originator of cultured pearls, but paying homage to the brand’s origins in the sea and the beauty that pearls have bestowed on us for centuries," said Noriko Otsuka, Mikimoto America’s senior vice president of merchandise.
“Mikimoto’s commitment to creating the highest quality pearl jewelry in classic and modern styles is unparalleled in our industry and we look forward to continuing to evolve and build on the brand’s legacy.”
The collection ranges in price from $640 for a pearl and enamel bracelet to $246,000 for a diamond necklace with a conch pearl pendant.
Pearl enthusiasts will find several varieties accounted for in the collection, including white, black, and golden South Sea pearls, white Akoya pearls, and conch pearls.
Another facet of the celebration is a series of new campaign videos, titled “Love Pearls,” in which the brand’s celebrity fans shared their well wishes.
Featured celebrities include actress and Mikimoto brand ambassador Dilraba Dilmurat, designer Marc Jacobs, model Ai Tominaga, actress Mari Natsuki, and actors James Jirayu, Song Wei Long, and Taishi Nakagawa.
Decked out in Mikimoto jewels, each video features a celebrity who shares their favorite pieces and their memories associated with the storied brand.
“When I think of the most beautiful pearls in the world, I think of Mikimoto,” Jacobs says in his video.
“My favorite piece of jewelry is a single strand of pearls that I wear not only for good luck but to glamorize every one of my looks.”
Natsuki, perhaps best known in the United States for her voice work in the 2001 animated film “Spirited Away,” shared her cultural connection with pearls as a Japanese woman.
“What I love about Mikimoto pearls is [the] romantic story,” she said. “Moreover, they make me feel proud as a Japanese [person] and confident as a woman. Pearls are the gems that really make me feel happy to be Japanese.”
The videos are available to view on Mikimoto’s website.
TrendsSep 17, 2020
Mikimoto Debuts First Fragrance
EditorsFeb 20, 2018
5 Things to Know About … Conch PearlsMore on Collections
The Latest
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
