When it comes to pearls, Mikimoto is the gold standard. Founder Kokichi Mikimoto made history in 1893 when he introduced cultured pearls—radiant, lustrous, perfectly spherical—to the world. It was in service of a lifelong dream of Mikimoto’s: to adorn the neck of every woman in the world with pearls.
Pearls are unique among precious gemstones in that they are, unlike basically everything else that is formed minerally in rock and earth, grown in living organisms. And unlike mineral gemstones which require cutting, faceting and polishing to reveal its beauty, a pearl is dazzling from the moment it is plucked from an oyster.
This precious gem has been coveted and desired for millennia. Before the advent of Mikimoto’s cultured pearls, strings of matched pearls (of similar size, colour, and lustre) were such immense rarities that they were the preserve of literal royalty. But Mikimoto’s cultured pearls—essentially indistinguishable from ‘natural’ pearls—opened up a world of possibilities for jewellery design.
A string of pearls on the neck or wrist, or studs on the ears, are perennial. But there are new dimensions to pearl jewellery being explored creatively at Mikimoto, with a range of collections and designs that broaden the horizon.
Sleek, deep V lines in the V Code collection symbolise a modern, graphic strength. In Jeux de Rubans, a sense of whimsy as gold and diamond ribbons dance around Akoya pearls. In LUCKY ARROWS, radiant lucky charms of mother-of-pearl and diamonds. And in Starry Night, statement pearl and diamond jewels perfect for evenings. Pearls, if you will, for any person and occasion.
There’s never been a better time to consider pearl jewellery. The delicate gem has been at the forefront of a sea change in fashion. From gender-neutral playfulness to the overt femininity of coquette-core, the trends of today are proof perhaps that pearls are endlessly stylish.
In this instalment of Vogue 10, we’ve collaborated with Mikimoto on an edit of jewellery that explores the breadth of pearls, from stylish everyday treasures to glamorous dazzlers for special evenings.
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V Code pendant in white gold, with Akoya cultured pearls, blue sapphires, spinels and diamonds, $10,400
A range of new V Code pendant designs answer a gem lover’s desire to combine pearls, diamonds and coloured gemstones all in one sleek design. For maximum impact, wear this with a plunging V neckline to echo the jewel’s graphic geometry.
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V Code pendant in white gold, with Akoya cultured pearls, blue sapphires and diamonds, $12,300
The intensity of sapphires gives this version of the V Code a feeling of focus. Let the whites of the pearls and the blues of the sapphires shine by wearing it on top of solid dark colours—a fitted black T-shirt, for instance.
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Jeux de Rubans earrings in white gold, with Akoya cultured pearls and diamonds, $12,700
The Jeux de Rubans, or ‘ribbon games’, is a collection where Mikimoto introduces a sense of lightheartedness and whimsy to pearls. Its main design features are slender, diamond-set strings of ribbons that dance and twirl around the pearl, adding scintillating light.
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Jeux de Rubans ring in white gold, with Akoya cultured pearl and diamonds, $12,700
A glistening Akoya pearl mounted next to twirling ribbons makes for a fabulous accent ring. Wear it as a statement piece in tandem with slender, stacked rings.
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Jeux de Rubans high jewellery necklace in white gold, with Akoya cultured pearls and diamonds, price upon request
This high jewellery Jeux de Rubans design adds a trompe l’oeil effect to the pearl and ribbon dance. The ends of two diamond-set white gold ribbons trail into two strings of pearls: one high at the neck like a collar, and the other draped at an opera length. Besides being perfectly matched for colour and lustre, and crafted and strung to perfection, the pearls are also subtly graduated in size so they make the biggest statement at their centre.
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LUCKY ARROWS pendant in white gold, with Akoya cultured pearl, mother-of-pearl and diamonds, $6,210
A good luck charm is a timeless treasure to bring with you everyday. Mikimoto’s Lucky Arrows collection features the yaguruma arrow motif, a traditional Japanese symbol of fortune. This version of the pendant is set in its centre with a small Akoya pearl, which can be paired and matched just as easily with a choker-length string of pearls.
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LUCKY ARROWS bracelet in white gold, with mother-of-pearl and diamonds, $6,020
Lustrous mother-of-pearl decorates the spaces between the yaguruma motif. This precious material has an iridescence with a variety of overtone shades—a super subtle touch of colour to add to outfits in monochromatic palettes or neutral shades.
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Starry Night pendant in white gold, with Akoya cultured pearl and diamonds, $4,600
A single, perfect pearl can be wonderful punctuation on an outfit. Think of it as a full-stop, a finishing touch, for when a look just feels like it’s missing something. This Starry Night pendant, with its drizzle of diamonds, would make a wonderful companion to something as understated as a little black dress.
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Starry Night earrings in white gold, with white South Sea cultured pearls and diamonds, $25,800
Think of these earrings as a souped-up version of classic pearl studs. You get a sprinkling of diamonds—1.50 carats on each side—paired with white South Sea cultured pearls, which are typically larger than Akoyas.
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Starry Night ring in white gold, with white South Sea cultured pearl and diamonds, $12,200
A cocktail ring can help define the mood and energy of a look, giving shape to emotions and feelings. A statement design like this taps into a sense of calm dignity, letting the resplendent beauty of a large, perfect pearl speak for itself.
