Brooches by Mikimoto (Japan)

Mikimoto is a Japanese jewellery brand known for its exquisite pearls and high-quality craftsmanship. The company was founded in 1893 by Kokichi Mikimoto, who is credited with creating the first cultured pearl.

Kokichi Mikimoto was born in Toba, Japan, in 1858. He grew up in a family of pearl divers and became fascinated with pearls at a young age. He started experimenting with pearl cultivation in the late 1800s, hoping to create pearls that were more affordable and accessible than the natural ones.

After years of trial and error, Mikimoto succeeded in creating the first cultured pearl in 1893. His innovation transformed the pearl industry, making pearls more widely available and changing the perception of pearls as a luxury item.

In the years that followed, Mikimoto expanded his business, opening his first store in Tokyo in 1899 and launching his brand internationally in the early 1900s. His pearls gained more... a reputation for their quality and beauty, and the Mikimoto brand became synonymous with luxury and elegance.

Mikimoto remains a leader in the pearl industry, offering a wide range of jewellery designs featuring Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls. The company is headquartered in Tokyo and operates stores and boutiques around the world, including in New York, Paris, London, and Hong Kong. less...