Mikimoto Pearls: Value Guide
The house that created the cultured pearl — Mikimoto is the benchmark for quality and lustre. What your Mikimoto pearls are worth and how to sell them in the UK.
What Are Your Mikimoto Pearls Worth?
Send a photo — including the clasp signature and any box or papers — for a free, no-obligation valuation. We reply within one working day.
Kokichi Mikimoto perfected the cultured pearl in 1893, and the house he founded has been the world's benchmark for pearls ever since. Mikimoto is famous for selecting only the top tier of its harvest, so a signed Mikimoto strand stands for consistent quality, matching and lustre — the things that drive pearl value.
What is Mikimoto?
Mikimoto is the leading cultured-pearl maison, best known for fine Akoya pearls as well as South Sea, Black (Tahitian) and Conch pearls, across necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and brooches with 18ct gold or platinum mounts, often with diamonds. Genuine pieces have a signed clasp (the Mikimoto "M" or name) and usually come with original papers.
What drives the value
Lustre & surface
Sharp, mirror-like lustre and a clean surface are the biggest value drivers.
Size & matching
Larger pearls and a perfectly matched, graduated strand command more.
Type & mount
South Sea and Black pearls above Akoya; gold/platinum and diamonds add value.
Signature & papers
Signed Mikimoto clasp, box and certificate add value and confidence.
What are Mikimoto pearls worth in the UK?
Resale depends on type, size, lustre and completeness — indicative bands:
Indicative only — your pearls depend on type, size, lustre, matching, mounts and papers. Send a photo for a free, accurate valuation.
Selling Your Mikimoto
What we look at when buying Mikimoto:
- Signature — Mikimoto "M" or name on the clasp.
- Pearls — type, size, lustre, surface, matching.
- Mount — 18ct gold or platinum, diamonds.
- Condition — sound silk, secure clasp.
- Papers — box and certificate.
We buy Mikimoto directly — fair prices, immediate payment, no auction fees.
How to sell Mikimoto pearls in the UK
Send clear photos of the pearls, the signed clasp and any box or papers. We assess the pearls' type, size, lustre and matching, plus the mount, and give an honest figure with immediate payment — no auction commission. More on our sell your designer jewellery page and our guide to authenticating designer jewellery.
More designer guides
Value Your Mikimoto Pearls
Send photographs of the pearls, the clasp and any papers — we'll give you an honest, no-obligation valuation.
⚠️ Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins at either showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mikimoto pearls — common questions.
Do Mikimoto pearls hold their value?
Fine Mikimoto pearls hold value well — the name stands for top-tier lustre and matching, which buyers pay for. Larger South Sea and Black pearl pieces with papers do best.
How do I know mine are Mikimoto?
Look for the signed clasp — the Mikimoto "M" or name — and any original papers. Send photos of the clasp and pearls and we'll confirm.
How much are mine worth?
It depends on the pearl type, size, lustre, surface and matching, plus the mount and papers. Send a photo for a free, accurate valuation.
What makes pearls valuable?
Above all, lustre — then size, surface cleanliness, shape and matching. Mikimoto selects the best of its harvest, which is why it's the benchmark.
Do you buy other pearls?
Yes — fine natural and cultured pearls from any maker are of interest; a signed Mikimoto clasp simply adds value.
Can you value them on WhatsApp?
Yes. Message +44 7494 214652 with photos of the pearls and clasp and we'll reply, usually within a working day.
Send Us Your Photographs
Attach photos of the pearls and the signed clasp. We'll respond within one working day.