Mikimoto pearls have always ranked high among Japanese girls. They're the top choice for a first jewelry present from parents, for Coming-of-Age Day, or for weddings.
Although the world-famous Mikimoto pearl store, K. Mikimoto Co. Ltd., is almost synonymous with pearls ranging from Akoya to South Sea, and has attracted not only Japanese customers but international ones as well since it opened in 1899, the company is also famous for its high-quality jewelry in silver and gold set with pearls or diamonds.
Kokichi Mikimoto, the founder of K. Mikimoto, was the first person to succeed in culturing pearls in Japan. He opened the first Mikimoto Pearl Store in Ginza, Tokyo, and overseas branches such as London, New York and Paris followed in the early 20th century. In 1907, Mikimoto Workshops, the first jewelry production studio in Japan, was also established.