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
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
