Technically, they are not pearls but the jewelry industry values them just as much – if not more. Conch pearls are pinkish pearl-like gems that are produced by the Queen Conch mollusk. The ones with the highest quality are characterized by an unusual ‘flame-like structure’, as if there is fire burning on their surface. These unique, fiery gems can only be produced naturally and in very rare occasions, making conch pearl jewelries all the more valuable. Mikimoto, maker of the world’s finest pearl jewelries, also loves creating conch wonders that adorn the women’s gorgeous necks. The Empress Ring is an exquisite platinum ring that features a 7mm conch pearl central stone. Tiny diamond stones create a dazzling background for the vibrant shine of the conch, like beautiful ladies in waiting surrounding a precious and delicate princess. Indeed, Mikimoto sets conch pearls fit for a princess, whether by title or simply at heart.

 

Check out Mikimoto at Shreve & Co. in Post Street, San Francisco.

 

 

Reference: http://www.mikimotoamerica.com/pearl-types/conch/empress-ring.html

For Mikimoto, world-renowned manufacturer of cultured pearls, makes a science out of everything related to pearls - even the length of a pearl necklace. As a designer jewelry maker with a long trail of experience and passion, Mikimoto is the authority in finding the right strand for the right neckline, for the right occasion. The Choker, which is 16 inches in length, and the Princess, 18 inches, successfully creates that fresh glow for young ladies, while women of 30's look gracefully fabulous in stature with larger pearls and longer strands like the Matinee, 22 to 24 inches, and the Opera, 30 to 32 inches. Shorter strands also go well with more casual attires and are more versatile than longer pearl necklaces. The Matinee and Opera, however, take on a more creative look when they are doubled or tripled around the neck. Whether casual or classic, having the right set of pearls lends you an additional touch of impressive sophistication. Check out the finest array of pearl necklaces at Shreve & Co in Portland, Oregon - authorized dealer for Mikimoto.

 

 

Reference: http://www.mikimotoamerica.com/about-pearl-jewelry/how-to-buy-pearls/choose-a-strand-length

In 1935, amidst plummeting prices for cultured pearls in Japan the father of pearl culture and dauntless entrepreneur, Mikimoto Kokichi, publicly burned tons of low-quality cultured pearls to show the world that Mikimoto company sold only high-quality pearls. It was a courageous stunt that the public bought, and a promise that the House of Mikimoto faithfully upheld even after the demise of its founder. Currently, the WWD trade journal ranks Mikimoto among the top luxury brands in the world for creating immaculate pearls set in excellently crafted jewelry pieces. Take as an example the Pearls in Motion necklace. Mikimoto infuses fun and practicality into the necklace by allowing the pearls to move around on the 18k white gold chain. You can get different looks using the same piece of jewelry. The design stays in place until you decide to move them again because of a special mechanism exclusive to Mikimoto’s. The company's creative knack is one reason why the Mikimoto Company is exactly where Kokichi envisioned it to be.

 

 

References: http://www.mikimotoamerica.com/collections/pearls-in-motion.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikimoto_K%C5%8Dkichi

Adorning the necks of all the women in the world is a great feat; impossible to be exact. But it is by chasing this dream that Kokichi Mikimoto has created finest cultured pearls in the world; an impossible dream chase that created wonders. To commemorate the storied journey, Mikimoto released an exquisite collection of new cultured pearl jewelry. It is deemed the the Mikimoto Regalia - celebrating the brand’s history of designing pieces for women of noble heritage. For this new collection, the designers took inspiration from the past and merged contemporary interpretations; perfect for today’s modern, sophisticated and discerning women. Mikimoto pearls are distinct. They are above all comparisons. This quality is achieved by using the finest materials coupled with careful orchestration. And through painstaking culturing, mindful sorting and expert matching, Mikimoto creations bring justice and more to these “living jewels”. To learn more about the new collection, visit Shreve & Co. – authorized dealer for Mikimoto. 

 

 

References: http://www.mikimotoamerica.com/about-pearl-jewelry/the-art-and-science-of-pearls/jewelry-design-and-creation/

http://www.mikimotoamerica.com/news/mikimoto_regalia

Pearl has been a constant companion in beauty by women around the world and Mikimoto remains in the forefront in the manufacturing of cultured pearls. But this isn’t the only thing that Mikimoto does for women. The Japanese cultured pearl jewelry giant also have been contributing to higher causes. Young Survival Coalition (YSC) has been supported by Mikimoto in addressing the needs of young women affected by breast cancer. Last 2009, Mikimoto donated a whopping 50% of their proceeds from “Everything is Possible with Hope” Collection to YSC. With women as inspiration for beauty and being deeply rooted in Japan, Mikmoto doesn’t stray from those that have shaped the brand and continue to give back whenever they can. 

After the devastating 2011 earthquake in Japan, Mikimoto donated a new pendant to aid the rebuilding in Japan. The pendant showcases the Akoya pearl – an iconic Japanese gem. The pendant features a cultured 7.55mm Akoya pearl with a disc of red enamel set in sterling silver representing the flag of Japan. The retail price for the pendant is $290 and all of the net income gained has been all donated to the Japanese Red Cross. Mikimoto also has been very active in keeping their production processes at par with environmental standards. Mikimoto factories earned the deep trust from local communities that are involved in production by adhering to laws and regulation to prevent pollution. Sometimes, there’s a moral dilemma presented by patronizing quality brands that contribute social and environmental harm. But one can always be assured that the maker of the pearls resting on her neck and the cosmetics on their skin is an agent of good and not of harm. For pearls the bring beauty and hope visit Shreve & Co. – authorized dealer for Mikmoto. 

 

 

References: http://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/2011/12/mikimoto/

https://www.facebook.com/notes/mikimoto/mikimoto-and-young-survival-coalition/133474782114

http://www.mikimoto-cosme.com/en/company/csr.html

Cleopatra’s wager to Marc Anthony was that she can “consume the wealth of a nation in a one meal”. Marc Anthony found this hard to believe until Cleopatra dissolved her pearl earring in a vinegar cocktail and drank it. It was none but a pearl that jumpstarted a love story worthy of being told and told again. In ancient times, pearls have been believed to have medicinal attributes, symbolize purity, love and even have mystical powers. They were once exclusive to the use of royalty. But if one Japanese man, in the person of Mikimoto Kokichi, would have his way, these gems should be available to every woman. And he surely did. He single-handedly shaped the cultured pearl industry in Japan during his lifetime. It was a life’s work devoted to perfection and love of craft. Mikimoto had combined technology and modern design to produced pearls synonymous to supreme commitment and passion. It is never hard to find a gift to symbolize purity, love and care as Mikimoto pearls makes the search easy. May it be her birthday, your anniversary or even just a gift on the fly; adorn her with Mikimoto – the finest cultured pearls in the world. For Mikimoto pearls, visit Shreve & Co. – authorized dealer of these best cultured pearls in the world. 

 

 

References: http://www.mikimoto.co.uk/about-pearl-jewellery/the-romance-of-pearls

http://www.pippinbass.com/Pearl-Myths-Pearl-Facts.asp

http://www.pippinbass.com/History-of-Pearls.asp

http://www.pearloasis.com/pearlhistory.html