Mikimoto is the name that gave the world the cultured pearl. Founded by Kokichi Mikimoto in 1893 in Toba, Japan, the maison perfected the art of pearl cultivation that today underpins every fine pearl in jewelry. More than a century later, Mikimoto remains the standard by which every other pearl house is measured — and at Almaz Jewelry on Stephansplatz, we hold a curated selection of Mikimoto pieces for collectors in Vienna and across Austria.
Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian — Understanding Mikimoto Pearls
Every Mikimoto pearl is graded against the maison's own scale, the strictest in the industry. Akoya pearls, harvested in the cold waters off Japan, produce the classic round white pearl with a mirror-like luster — the pearl most often imagined when one thinks of pearl jewelry. South Sea pearls, cultivated in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, are larger and warmer in tone, ranging from silver to deep gold. Tahitian pearls bring the natural greys, peacock greens, and aubergines that have made Mikimoto's dark-pearl collections iconic.
The Mikimoto Standard
Five qualities govern every Mikimoto pearl: luster, surface, shape, color, and nacre thickness. Only the highest grades — A, AA, AAA — leave the atelier under the Mikimoto name. The result is jewelry that ages without losing its glow, that you can hand down a generation and still see catch the light the same way it did the day it was strung.
Why Source Mikimoto at Almaz Vienna
Vienna has no Mikimoto boutique. For collectors who want to see, handle, and compare Mikimoto pieces in person rather than commit online, Almaz Jewelry is the practical answer in the city. Our location on Stephansplatz — five minutes from the Hofburg, opposite the cathedral — has served Vienna's collectors since 1991. Every Mikimoto piece in our case is selected for grade, condition, and provenance, and arrives accompanied by appraisal and authentication paperwork our team can walk you through in German, English, or Russian.
Visit Us in Vienna
Almaz Jewelry • Stephansplatz 12, 1010 Wien • Monday–Saturday 10:00–18:30. Worldwide shipping with full insurance. Call +43 1 512 00 85 or write to office@almaz.jewelry to arrange a private viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mikimoto pearls worth the premium over other cultured pearls? Mikimoto rejects roughly 95 percent of every harvest before the remaining pearls reach a jewelry setting. That selectivity, plus the maison's nacre-thickness standard, is what you pay for — and what determines whether a pearl will still look extraordinary in twenty years.
Can I buy Mikimoto in Vienna without travelling to Japan or London? Yes. Almaz Jewelry sources Mikimoto pieces directly and ships across Austria, the EU, and worldwide. Visit Stephansplatz 12 for in-person selection.
How do I care for a Mikimoto pearl strand? Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing; never expose to perfume, hairspray, or chlorinated water; store flat and separately from harder gemstones. We re-string strands on request.
