Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian — Understanding Mikimoto Pearls
Every Mikimoto pearl is graded against the maison's own scale, among the strictest in the industry. Akoya pearls, harvested in the cold waters off Japan, produce the classic round white pearl with a mirror-like lustre — the pearl most people picture when they think of pearl jewellery. 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
More than a century after its founding, Mikimoto remains a reference point for many in the pearl trade. Five qualities govern every Mikimoto pearl: lustre, surface, shape, colour and nacre thickness. Only the highest grades — A, AA, AAA — leave the atelier under the Mikimoto name. The result is jewellery that ages without losing its glow: a strand you can hand down a generation and still see catch the light as it did the day it was strung.
Mikimoto at Almaz Jewelry in Vienna
At Almaz Jewelry, collectors can see, handle and compare Mikimoto pieces in person rather than commit online. Our store 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 comes with appraisal and authentication paperwork that 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 insured shipping. 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?
According to the house, only a small share of each harvest meets its criteria and reaches a jewellery setting. That selectivity, together with 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 selects each Mikimoto piece for grade and condition, and ships across Austria, the EU and worldwide. Visit us at Stephansplatz 12 to choose in person.
How do I care for a Mikimoto pearl strand?
Wipe it gently with a soft cloth after wearing; never expose it to perfume, hairspray or chlorinated water; store it flat and apart from harder gemstones. We re-string strands on request.