Pearls and heirlooms

[SingaporeSlinky]

I will be going to Japan soon and have decided to go to the Mikimoto store to buy some pearls. I don’t have a massive budget, but if I find 1 or 2 pieces I love, I’d be willing to spend up to maybe £2k. I realise this isn’t enough to be thinking I’m going to manage to get a string of pearls, but maybe a pendant, ring or bracelet.

Now, I also have 2 daughters around the age of 13. Am wondering whether to use some of my budget (or stretch it) to also buy them each a piece of jewellery and keep to give for say, their 16th birthdays. Part of me thinks it’s silly to plan to keep hold of pieces for such a long time, and whatever I choose may not be to their tastes in the future. But the other part thinks I’ll probably never get the chance to go to Japan again and buy Mikimoto from the flagship store, and hope my Dds would appreciate the fact I’d thought ahead and chosen something for them to keep. I know there is a Mikimoto store in London, but the range there isn’t as wide as in Tokyo, and to me, there’s something special about buying it in Japan.

Any thoughts? Should I just buy something I love for myself, or get something each for the 3 of us? Bearing in mind I certainly won’t be spending a large amount on my DDs, so realistically it would be silver and pearl for them, or maybe a simple set of earrings.

I used to work somewhere selling Mikimoto I'm v envious of you!

I've bought (cheaper!) pearls as an 18th birthday gift for one daughter and for another for her wedding day. They aren't the sort of item girls might think 'whoopie' about but imo there are always occasions when they're just right to wear. I've worn mine for weddings and funerals.

If I were in your shoes I would buy myself two Mikimoto pieces and enjoy wearing them then leave them to my daughters in my will!

Do their colourings suit pearls? I can't wear pearls, they look dreadful against my skin.

I’m 50.
I have several pearl items, a few gifted to me by wealthy DM, although not Mikimoto.
I’ve worn pearls once in my life. It was on my wedding day over 20 years ago. They just sit in a box. Such a waste but there aren’t any other times they have been right to wear.

Yes you might be right, there’s sometimes an old fashioned reputation to pearls but hopefully a more modern piece would help. It wouldn’t be a strand of pearls, so maybe one pearl on a necklace or some earrings would be more wearable.
I hadn’t considered that they’re likely to be in the shop with me when I’m browsing so maybe I’ll gauge their reactions as to whether they even like pearls and hope I can sneakily buy something and hide it away.

Oh interesting! What colouring doesn’t suit pearls? I know pearls can come in slightly different shades, so more white, cream or even gold or black. There must be something for everyone.
They are both fair…

I can’t see myself wearing a necklace other than a single pearl, and I definitely wouldn’t wear matching items like a necklace and earrings. What items do you have? Seems a shame for them to sit in a box, maybe you should experiment with what clothing looks good and get use out of them!

I love pearls and would love to go to mimitoko and get something for my collection.
I have a single strand pink necklace and a double strand creamy white necklace and a blue pearl and diamond ring that I had made recently. I'm very fair and I wear them all the time. They are an absolute classic piece of jewellery!

I thought pearls deteriorate if not worn often? Oils in the skin so they dry out if left in a box and discolour? I have a single string of pearls given to me by an aunt for a graduation gift 30 years ago. I think I've worn them twice

@whatthebejesus I’ve never heard of a blue pearl!

Do you think it’s worth buying something even if it’s say, a silver necklace with just one pearl, or a simple pair of pearl studs (for my daughters)? Or just buy one nice piece for myself? I think for their 16th or 18th birthdays I’d like to get a nice piece of jewellery, but could just go down the Tiffany route once I know their general taste in jewellery. I just thought since I’ll be in Japan, it might be more special to buy Mikimoto and keep it aside.

@ChocolateHelps have yours discoloured?
Have you not worn them because it’s a string, or you don’t like pearls? Would you wear something more modern?

Oh that sounds lovely!! I have some mikimoto pearls, they're fantastic. The earrings aren't cheap but are fantastic - they look fab and I've had mine for a few years and no damage at all. Just wipe with a soft jewellery cloth when storing them and don't fiddle with them (the oils on your fingers aren't great for them).

I have earrings and a necklace from mikimoto (bracelet is an heirloom) and I get so many compliments on them. It's a lovely thing to treat yourself too! The necklace I have is similar to what you describe but pearls with necklace between them, spaced evenly around the chain. It's beautiful!

I bet the flagship store will be incredible - enjoy!

I’ve got a ton of pearls. I absolutely love them.

Opera length, shorter strand lengths, pearl studs, pearl & diamond studs, black pearls, pearl drops, pearl earrings set in a gold surround. Pearl hoops, Pearl & diamond ring and more.

I love pearls and wear them all the time. Fortunately they suit my colouring. My Mikimoto single strands are very “white” but my other UK purchased pearls vary much more in colour. Before you buy, research as much as you can about what makes a good quality pearl. There’s more to it than meets the eye.

I’d buy pearl & diamond studs for your daughters. A classic which will never date.

Have fun choosing.

@bibbityboppityboo lucky you! I know exactly what type of necklace you mean, how lovely. If I went for that type of necklace, would you go for yellow or white gold?

@Stratocumulus wow what a collection! Oh yes, the pearl and diamond studs are all gorgeous, I might go for those myself.

I would love an opera length necklace but couldn’t afford from Mikimoto. Could you recommend somewhere in the UK for one?

Pearl studs are so easy to wear, if I was choosing something for my daughters that would be it!

I’d have loved to have been given some Mikimoto ones when I was younger. I now have some which I bought for my wedding and I wear them all the time.

Also a major pearl fan! Do you know what type of pearl you want?

Japanese pearls are called Akoya and have an amazing, almost shiny sheen to them. They’re sea water pearls, rather than fresh water (cheaper).
Mikimoto, of course, have the best of the best. They also sell South Sea and Tahitian.
Meaning you can get all colours of the rainbow, I’m rather jealous of your trip!

I'm lucky enough to have inherited a beautiful double string Mikimoto pearl necklace, which I treasure. This thread has reminded me that I should get them out and wear them more often. I'd love to visit the Tokyo store, how exciting OP!

Love pearls and have some inherited strands, worn a handful of times over the past 30 years on special occasions, prefer pearls to gold or precious stones. Also have some lovely bigger earring studs (big anniversary gift), I think pearls are timeless, elegant and flattering for any age. (I'm fair.)

Depends totally on your colouring imo. I've gone for white gold on the necklace (and the studs for the earrings) because long term I know I'll wear it forever, I tend to mix metals a lot on my jewellery, but just preferred on my skin tone the white gold vs yellow with the pearls.

You'll have such a fantastic time choosing and the staff will (if they're like my experience) be so so helpful advising on a purchase. Enjoy 😊

@Muu thank you, that’s helpful. A simple pair of studs should be affordable enough to buy them a pair each. And maybe added diamonds on my pair 🙂

@PlatinumBrunette I think akoya pearls. The south sea and Tahitian look gorgeous, but heavier price tag. I also worry that anything too colourful might not look ‘real’. For example when I see black pearls I think they look like costume pearls.

Excellent choice @SingaporeSlinky ! My favourites too.
You could get your Mikimoto specials and the department stores in Japan have a lot of gorgeous pearl jewellery available, so you could find Akoyas in most of them.
I think Mikimotos are very white, but outside of their store, I’ve got pale blue and pinkish akoyas which are stunning too. South Sea are large, rarer, spendy, and a bit too yellow for my colouring.
If anyone thinks my Tahitians are fake, I’m fine with that 😉

@PlatinumBrunette I am very pale (I guess red undertones, not warm - I burn easily) with blond hair. I usually wear silver, white gold or platinum. What colour pearls would you suggest for me?

I’m going to have to research more as blue and pink both sound interesting.

@SingaporeSlinky I reckon a good, true Mikimoto white will really work for you, rather than creamy. It’s one of those things that you’ll know when you see - you’ll glow.

The blue Akoya is a very pale, silvery blue. I need to dig them out and wear them more! Not sure you’ll find them in Mikimoto though as I think they have their own farm source to keep the quality as high as possible.

My husband is Japanese and we live in Tokyo. My mother-in-law bought me a pearl & diamond choker necklace from Mikimoto for our wedding, as is custom here (in their family at least!).
It's beautiful but I never wear it because it's really an occasion piece (and I never have "occasions" 😂) so I kind of regret not getting something I could use more. It's definitely something I will pass on to my DD and (hopefully!) her DD one day.
Happy shopping!