Mikimoto, the legendary pearling pioneer and renowned jeweller, continues to enthrall and capture the minds and hearts of all jewellery lovers across the world with its dazzling pearls. As the originator of Cultured Pearls, Mikimoto maintains the strictest quality standards. Each pearl harvested is as different and individual as a fingerprint, making it essential to follow quality grading standards.
Impeccable standards of excellence distinguish Mikimoto’s pearls, setting them apart. Its proprietary grading system is unique and based on four factors: luster, colour, shape and surface perfection of each pearl. It utilises only the top 5% of the annual harvest. Jewellers often refer to the best pearls as being of вЂMikimoto quality’. Its pearl collections celebrate the timeless beauty of pearls in a choice selection of gold, diamonds and semi-precious stones and its pearl strands are cherished works of art.
Five physical factors determine the quality of pearls and are important to understand while buying pearls which are luster, surface perfection, colour, shape and size.
1. LUSTER - Luster is the surface glow, as well as the deep mirror-like reflection of light, or вЂinner light’. Nacre quality in cultured pearls improves the overall luster. Many even layers of nacre are required to create a highly defined spectrum of colour. Only the highest quality pearls with the best luster carry the Mikimoto name.
2. SURFACE PERFECTION - As a product of nature, tiny marks found on pearls are part of their natural texture and are proof of the genuineness of a cultured pearl. These blemishes are produced by outside sea particles and objects that find their way into the oyster and brush against the pearl. A pearl is considered more valuable when the surface imperfections are minimal.
3. COLOUR - Pearls have a wide spectrum of colours such as cream, gray, green, blue and pink but the most popular are white and pink rosГ© because these shades flatter the widest range of skin tones. Colour is based on preference, but it is always important to find a colour that is rich and evenly distributed on the pearl.
4. SHAPE - Although many shapes are available, perfectly round pearls are the rarest and most valuable. Button pearls are round on one side and flat on the opposite end. Other shapes like tear drop and baroque are also favoured because of their uniqueness.
5. SIZE - The price of a pearl is dependant on its size. As larger pearls are difficult to cultivate they are more expensive. Pearls are measured in diameter increments of millimeters (mm). The classic Akoya pearl generally ranges from 3.5mm to 10mm in size. South Sea (white, golden, or black) pearl sizes begin at 8mm and can be as large as 18mm.
So, the next time you are shopping for pearls, do look for the above qualities, to ensure вЂvalue for your money’ or just ask for Mikimoto where all the hard work is already done for you!
Mikimoto’s fabulous array of jewellery collections is available at select Damas Les Exclusives stores.
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