Thought by some to be ‘God’s Tears’ and known as the ‘Queen of Gems’, pearls have long been symbolic of rebirth, purity and perfection, their meaning and spiritual significance spanning cultures, ages and continents. With the rarity of the natural variety making them inherently prohibitive, the proliferation of cultured pearls in the 21st century and today is largely due to the work of Japanese entrepreneur Kokichi Mikimoto.

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In 1893, Mikimoto successfully created the world’s first cultured pearls, single headedly spurning the cultured pearl industry with the establishment of his luxury pearl company, Mikimoto. Such was Mikimoto’s contribution in bringing modern jewellery making to Japan, that on April 18, 1985, the Japan patent office selected him as one of ten Japanese great inventors. The company was ranked as one of the world’s most luxurious brands by women’s wear daily magazine and Mikimoto was considered one of Japan’s best financial leaders of the 20th century by Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Japan economics newspaper).

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Kokichi Mikimoto.

Kokichi sent skilled craftsmen to Europe to learn the latest design techniques and styles in jewellery, including art deco and art nouveau. Using the experience and knowledge they brought back from Europe, he spent decades blending traditional Japanese metalworking craftsmanship and European manufacturing techniques to create the distinctive Mikimoto style. Going beyond being the originator of cultured pearls, he succeeded in building the foundation for modern jewellery production in Japan.

Loved across generations and genders, Mikimoto retains its status as the most important name in the pearl industry, imbuing each piece with a sense of artistry and aesthetic that was born in Japan and has been shaped by influences from different cultures around the world. Taking pride in the unparalleled craftsmanship and passionate approach to its craft, developed through more than a century of innovation, Mikimoto continues to deliver jewellery that is new and exciting.

Mikimoto is available from Partridge Jewellers Auckland.