Mikimoto Pearls: a story of perseverance

Although, I already did a trend post on pearls, I feel like I keep running into them. Seriously, pearls are everywhere and I’m here for it all.

The ama, (“sea woman” in Japanese) have a tradition of diving that dates back at least 2,000 to 3,000 years. It was a female-only job because a woman’s higher body fat content helped her endure the frigid ocean temperatures. Girls began their ama training at age 12 and would continue to dive until they were 70 to 80 years old. Before the pearl industry was established, many ama worked to catch seafood.

I know I’m not alone in my love for a good rags-to-riches/inspirational story and how about one that involves pearls? Buckle up for the story of Mikimoto Kōkichi. He was born in 1858, the son of a noodle-seller. From an early age, he was fascinated by the local pearl divers (and even more so by the prices the pearls brought at the local market where the ground pearls were snapped up by Chinese buyers for medicinal uses.)

Carrie wears pearls throughout the series. Here she pairs a Fry Powers turquoise and malachite necklace with Mikimoto 16-inch Akoya pearls.

Mikimoto began by selling the seed pearls that came from his area, but as supply seemed to be drying up, he began to experiment with pearl production. It would take him twelve years to hit on the method that is still used today.

He worked side-by-side with his wife, Ume. The couple had five children and worked tirelessly on their pearl idea -- so obsessively that their neighbors considered them crazy and stupid.  On multiple occasions, Ume would write to Mikimoto, while he was away conducting experiments warning him to stay away because debt collectors were knocking on their door. Ume died in 1896 before he produced his first spherical cultured pearl.

Leandra Medine Cohen mixing Roxanne Assoulin pearls with Mikimoto from her Bat Matzah (from this post)

And once he did, he was on a quest to sell, sell, sell. He believed that everyone, no matter their bank balance, should have the right to see beauty and to own and wear it. Mikimoto pearls come in a wide range of grades (and therefore price points) but they are all beautiful!

My Mikimoto bracelet. That vintage clasp is something special!

Mikimoto pearls are truly something spectacular. I found this Mikimoto bracelet at my local jewelry consignment shop. Have you visited your local jewelry consignor? I love to buy pre-owned whenever I can. Not only is it sustainable, but you can get things for a fraction of their retail value -- like this bracelet. Usually the stock frequently turns over so it’s a place to pop into frequently and get to know your jeweler!

Do you have any Mikimoto pearls? And… do you wear them? I’m going to close with some inspirational photos of pearls in the wild. I’m really drawn to the juxtaposition they can provide to a more casual outfit (aka Leandra above).

Get out your pearls!

One of my all-time favorite looks from Irene Kim.