The Japanese brand putting a twist on a fashion classic
Mikimoto reimagines the classic pearl, blending tradition with innovation to create jewellery that speaks to the modern woman.
As the originator of cultured pearls, Mikimoto has been at the forefront of pearl jewellery for more than a century. Continually evolving to meet the tastes of modern consumers, the brand has maintained its commitment to exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Pearls have long been associated with elegance and sophistication. Yet, in the hands of Japanese jewellery house Mikimoto, these lustrous gems are undergoing a renaissance, blending timeless appeal with contemporary design.
A legacy of innovation
The story of Mikimoto began in 1893 when founder Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl. This groundbreaking achievement not only revolutionised the pearl industry but also laid the foundation for a brand that would become synonymous with luxury and innovation.
Kentaro Nishimura, president and chief executive officer of Mikimoto America, explained the brand’s enduring philosophy as striving to strike the right balance between honouring the 130-year legacy and embracing creativity.
“While pearls are timeless, we continuously push creative boundaries to remain at the forefront of design, always grounded in the craftsmanship, quality and values that define our brand,” he said.
This commitment to innovation is evident in Mikimoto’s latest collections, which blend traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. The Bows High Jewellery Collection reimagines pearls in a way that evokes the delicate beauty of illuminated lace against the skin. The interplay of diamond sand Akoya cultured pearls creates a sense of movement, light and elegance that speaks to the modern woman.
Craftsmanship at its core
Central to Mikimoto’s success is its unwavering commitment to quality. As a fully vertically integrated company, Mikimoto oversees every step of the process – from pearl cultivation to the final creation of each piece of jewellery. This level of control allows the brand to uphold the highest standards in pearl selection, craftsmanship and overall design integrity.
“Our master pearl farmers and skilled artisans work in harmony, guided by a shared commitment to perfection and an unwavering respect for our heritage,” Mr Nishimura said. “Each pearl is carefully selected according to Mikimoto’s exacting criteria, and every design is meticulously crafted to meet the expectations of our brand and our customers.”
A sustainable approach
Sustainability is a core pillar of Mikimoto’s philosophy and the company is leading the way in responsible pearl farming. The brand is actively working towards reaching net-zero emissions by developing responsible pearl farming standards and technological solutions to protect the natural environment. This includes reusing and recycling all waste that results from the process of pearl production.
“Our primary goal is to preserve and protect the ocean and to promote a way of working that lives in harmony with nature,” Mr Nishimura said. This commitment to sustainability not only ensures the longevity of the pearl industry but also resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.
Pearls for the modern Australian woman
As Mikimoto makes its mark in the local market through its partnership with luxury watch and jewellery retailer Kennedy, it’s clear that the brand’s offerings resonate. The versatility of Mikimoto’s pieces, from classic Akoya pearl strands to bold contemporary designs, aligns perfectly with the Australian lifestyle.
Kennedy marketing and digital director Philippa Moroney observes the flexibility of our style. “Australians have the ability to go between ultra-relaxed ways of dressing by the beach and then dress up for a black-tie gala in the city the next day,” she said. “Mikimoto pearls transcend events and always work with any look, time and time again.”
Styling with pearls
Leading fashion and celebrity stylist Nicole Bonython-Hines, known as “the stylists’ stylist” with an illustrious career spanning from Vogue to shaping the images of icons like Kylie Minogue and Naomi Watts, suggests versatility is a key factor in the enduring appeal of pearls.
“Pearls never go out of style but they certainly have their 'moments' and I'd say now is such a time,” Ms Bonython-Hines explained.
Her approach to styling pearls embodies the modern twist that Mikimoto brings to this classic gem. “I love using a single collar length strand in contrast with something like a white tee or crisp shirt. I've always enjoyed combining a really beautiful pearl necklace or earrings with something more utilitarian like tees and jeans.”
This juxtaposition of luxury and everyday wear perfectly aligns with the Australian lifestyle that Mikimoto caters to. Ms Bonython-Hines also advocates for creative layering.
“I like the idea of layering pearls with other types of necklaces. For example, a smaller pearl necklace combined with a tennis necklace and a simple chain is great together. Same for wrists.”
Her insider tip adds a personal touch to the allure of pearls. “My mother always used to say that pearl earrings were a 'face brightener' and I agree. They seem to pull out the whites in your eyes.”
As Mikimoto continues to innovate and redefine the role of pearls in contemporary fashion, it's clear that these lustrous gems are a vibrant, versatile staple in the modern woman's jewellery collection. And in a world where fashion constantly evolves, Mikimoto proves that with the right vision and craftsmanship, even the most classic of gems can be reinvented for each new generation.
It's this ability to honour tradition while embracing innovation that keeps Mikimoto at the forefront of luxury jewellery, ensuring that their pearls will continue to adorn and inspire for generations to come.
- Morning Dew Black South Sea Cultured Pearl Earrings in 18K White Gold
- Ribbon Akoya Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earrings
- Fusion Akoya and Golden South Sea Cultured Pearl Bracelet
- Golden South Sea Cultured Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
- Akoya Cultured Pearl 18K Yellow Gold Princess Strand Necklace
- Pearls in Motion Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
Explore the collection today.
Smarter ways to build beyond super
With super tax changes looming, high earners are reassessing how and where they structure their wealth.
The tech that could stop a catastrophe
In control rooms, camera towers and server farms across the globe, artificial intelligence is reshaping the disaster response frontline.