1893
World's first semi-spherical cultured pearl
After years of hard work, Kokichi Mikimoto cultures a beautiful, semi-spherical pearl. A major achievement, it is the first pearl ever grown by man.
1899
Mikimoto Pearl Store opens
The first Mikimoto Pearl Store opens in Tokyo's chic Ginza shopping district, home to the latest Western fashion trends. Kokichi Mikimoto quickly demonstrates his strength in luxury jewelry retailing.
1905
World's first spherical cultured pearl
Continuing his tireless research, Kokichi Mikimoto succeeds in culturing a perfectly round pearl. Shortly thereafter, he meets the Meiji Emperor at Ise Shrine and confides: "I would like to adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls."
1907
Mikimoto Gold Work Factory established
Fascinated with the contemporary designs and techniques of European jewelry, Kokichi Mikimoto establishes his own factory to create a unique Mikimoto style. Japan’s first full-scale jewelry production facility, it transforms the world of cultured pearl fashion.
1913
The first overseas store opens
The first overseas Mikimoto Pearl Store opens in London in 1913. Many others soon follow.
1914
Black South Sea pearl farm established
Overcoming the challenges of deep waters and warm temperatures, Mikimoto finally succeeds in culturing his first South Sea pearl at his oyster beds off Ishigaki Island in 1931. The dazzling gem is a 10 millimeter Black South Sea pearl.
1926
Five-story pearl Pagoda at World's Fair
The five-tiered Pagoda, elegantly modeled after Horyuji Temple and covered in Mikimoto cultured pearls, creates a sensation at the Philadelphia World’s Fair. Now on display at the Pearl Museum, Mikimoto Pearl Island.
1927
Meeting with Thomas Edison
Kokichi Mikimoto visits the inventor Thomas Edison at his home in New Jersey. An admiring Edison remarks, "There are two things which couldn't be made in my laboratory - diamonds and pearls."
1930
Invited to the Imperial Palace
Recognized by the Emperor as one of the 10 greatest Japanese inventors, Kokichi Mikimoto is invited to dinner at the Imperial Palace, along with other inventors.
1932
Burning inferior pearls
Demonstrating his ethical and artistic commitment to quality, Kokichi Mikimoto shovels inferior pearls into a fire in front of the Kobe Chamber of Commerce. Foreign journalists based in Kobe communicate his message to the world.
1933
Model of George Washington’s residence at World's Fair
Mikimoto exhibits a model of Mount Vernon at the Chicago World's Fair. Created from 24,328 pearls, this valuable creation is donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. where it remains today.
1937
"Wheels of Arrows" at Paris Expo
The Yaguruma, a sash clip with interchangeable settings in 12 different forms, attracts crowds at the Paris Expo. Its unique design is a breakthrough in multi-functional jewelry. Sold in Paris, it disappears from public view, then reappears at an auction in New York in 1989. It is purchased by Mikimoto Pearl Island where it remains today.
1939
Replica of Liberty Bell at World's Fair
Mikimoto recreates the Philadelphia Liberty Bell for the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Studded with 12,250 pearls and 366 diamonds, it is nicknamed “the Million Dollar Bell”. Now on display at the Mikimoto Pearl Museum.
1954
Marilyn Monroe receives Mikimoto Strand Necklace from Joe DiMaggio
Adorning his new bride with a gift deserving of her beauty, Joe DiMaggio gives Marilyn Monroe this 16-inch strand of Akoya cultured pearls during their honeymoon in Japan. Here shown in its original oval box, it is one of the few pieces of “real” jewelry she owned and treasured.
1957
Pearl Crown donated to Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. is an annual event celebrating Japanese-American friendship that dates back to 1912. Mikimoto creates the festival crown in 1956 and donates it to the festival committee for the annual crowning of the Cherry Blossom Queen.
1969
Mikimoto wins DeBeers Diamonds International Awards
The Diamond International Awards are the most prestigious awards for jewelry design in the industry. The brooch "Prelude to Space", wins the award, a first for Mikimoto.
1975
New York Store opens on Fifth Avenue
Although a Mikimoto Pearl Salon had opened in New York’s Takashimaya department store in 1959, this is the first freestanding store in Manhattan, located on fashionable Fifth Avenue. In 1995 the store moves to its current Fifth Avenue address.
1986
Paris store opens
Mikimoto opens its doors in Paris on Place Vendôme, world renown as a destination for exquisite luxury.
1995
London store opens
Mikimoto takes its place on London's New Bond Street. Adjacent to Buckingham Palace, this elegant thoroughfare is home to many of the world's top jewelers.
1997
Costa Mesa store opens
The Costa Mesa Mikimoto opens in South Coast Plaza, Orange County, California.
2000
Milano Collection
This distinctive collection of pearl jewelry, created by renowned Italian designer, Giovanna Broggian is launched by Mikimoto at the turn of the new century.
2001
Princess Grace Collection
With the Princesse de Monaco rose, named for Princess Grace, as its motif, Mikimoto launches this limited edition collection to represent the ultimate in elegant, refined beauty. A portion of sales are donated to the Princess Grace Foundation - USA to advance the careers of young performing artists.
2002
Pearls in Motion™ Collection
The Pearls in Motion™ Collection debuts; a versatile, playful and functional design of Mikimoto cultured pearls that glide to fit every mood. The patented mechanism allows each pearl to be individually repositioned along an 18k gold chain as the wearer desires, creating infinite looks from the same piece of jewelry.
2002
Crowns for Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA
The intricate design of the Mikimoto Crowns, made with White South Sea and Akoya cultured pearls and diamonds, depicts the ancient symbol of the phoenix rising to signify status, power and the vision of great beauty.
2003
Beverly Hills store expands
Mikimoto’s Beverly Hills location is enlarged and redesigned. First opened in 2001, the store is in the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel on the corner of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, California.
2005
Mikimoto opens Ginza 2 Store
The new store, designed by the famed architect Toyoo Ito, has quickly become a Ginza landmark. Inspired by the alluring mystery of a jewelry box and imagining bubbles around pearls and floating petals, Ito translated his vision into a work of art that all who visit Ginza must experience.
2006
Pasadena Tournament of Roses
Mikimoto proudly joins the history and tradition of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® by designing the Rose Queen® Crown and Royal Court Tiaras.
2007
Yohji Yamamoto “Stormy Weather” Collection
Mikimoto and fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto, an artist of the couture fashion form, align their talents to create an exceptional, limited edition line of fine jewelry.
2008
Obidome Exhibition at JAPAN! culture + hyperculture
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., brings together the best of Japanese culture. Mikimoto is invited to exhibit its historic collection of rare sash clips, or obidome, a type of brooch worn on the front of the traditional kimono.
2008
150th Anniversary Book
Assouline Publishing’s memoir, "Mikimoto", tells the story of one man's quest to uncover the secret of an iconic gem of nature. The publication coincides with the 150th anniversary of Kokichi Mikimoto’s birth.
2009
New Boutique in Las Vegas
Ten years after establishing a Las Vegas presence, Mikimoto opens a new store at Crystals™ at CityCenter. The theme, “Deep Blue Sea”, pays homage to the ocean, birthplace of pearls. Its dramatic décor will inspire the design of other Mikimoto stores.
Our Philosophy
Our Founder
Our History
