Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto are a mark of luxury and elegance in the world of jewelry. Mikimoto, a Japanese company founded by Kokichi Mikimoto, is credited with revolutionizing the pearl industry by developing and patenting the technique of culturing pearls. Cultured pearls are created through a process known as pearl culturing. This process involves the insertion of a foreign irritant, usually a tiny bead or piece of shell, into an oyster or mussel. The mollusk then covers the irritant with layers of a substance called nacre, which hardens over time and forms a pearl. Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto are known for their exceptional quality and luster.
Stroll along the beach of Ise Bay and discover an Imperial guesthouse from the Meiji era.
Exotic Black Tahitian pearls they call them Black South Sea and White and Golden South Sea pearls are also prominently featured in their collections. All in all, our Pearls of Joy Akoya and Hanadama earrings are priced far below Akoya cultured pearl earrings of the same size and shape available at Tiffany s.
Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto are known for their exceptional quality and luster. Mikimoto ensures that only the finest pearls are used in their jewelry, selecting pearls based on strict criteria such as size, shape, color, and surface quality. Each pearl is individually inspected and graded to ensure that it meets the highest standards.
Mikimoto Pearl Island
Japan is home to the world’s most famous and sophisticated Mikimoto pearls. The indigenous craft began its first pearl cultivation in 1893 at a pearl oyster farm at the Shinmei inlet on Ago Bay in Mie Prefecture. The founder, Kokichi Mikimoto (1858-1954), was fascinated by pearl divers in Ise when he was a young man and dreamed of further perfecting the art of pearl culture.
Today, his huge enterprise sets its pearl culture production at the Mikimoto Pearl Island in Ise Bay in Toba, Mie Prefecture.
Pearl Museum
Photo by: PIXTA/ gaistino The first floor is devoted to the Pearl Plaza, where visitors can shop for pearls and jewelry.
The island can be visited for its Pearl Museum, established in 1962. It showcases Mikimoto company’s splendid collection of different types of pearls and jewelry with detailed explanations of their origin—from mollusks, oysters and abalones.
Videos, drawings, and installations comprehensively introduce the history, science and industry of pearl cultivation. Visitors will be mesmerized by the intricacy of the production process. A wide selection of artistic works, such as watches, pagodas and crowns assembled by Mikimoto craftsmen is also exhibited.
Ama Divers
Photo by: PIXTA/ gaistino This tradition of women diving for pearls has existed since 2,000 years ago as early as the Heian period.
The major highlight of visiting the island is catching a rare demonstration of Ama female pearl divers searching for pearls under the sea. This tradition of women diving for pearls has existed since 2,000 years ago as early as the Heian period. Visitors will see the divers in their white sheer garbs and headscarves jump barefoot from the boats into the waters.
A live narration (in Japanese) explains the step-by-step pearl oyster-catching process. Scheduled demonstrations start at 9:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. No reservation is required.
Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Hall
Photo by: Alma Reyes Enjoy the charming garden outside the hall and museum.
Adjacent to the museum is the Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Hall, built in 1993, dedicated to the rich life of Mikimoto, fondly called the Pearl King. Video presentations and exhibits document the background of his passion for the pearl business, as well as historical content from the Meiji era when Mikimoto developed his company.
Things To Know
HOURS AND FEES
Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. depending on the season. Check the website for the opening dates .
The admission fee for adults is ¥1,650. Buying tickets online is discounted at ¥1,350 per adult.
How To Get There
Address
By train
From Tokyo station, take the Shinkansen to Nagoya station, change to Rapid Mie line to Toba station, and walk five minutes towards the Pearl Bridge for a total about three hours and 40 minutes
Explore Nearby
- Destination Mie
- Speciality History
Hinjitsukan
Stroll along the beach of Ise Bay and discover an Imperial guesthouse from the Meiji era.
- Destination Mie
- Speciality Shrines & Temples
Ise
Ise is the original pilgrim's playground; home to Japan's holiest shrine.
- Destination Mie
- Speciality Cities
Iga City
Ninjas, a castle and a haiku poetry master—Iga is home to a whole host of traditional Japanese culture and history.
Sea Magic
One of the unique features of Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto is their natural luster and iridescence. The pearls have a beautiful shimmering effect, which is often referred to as the "orient" of the pearl. This orient is a result of the light being reflected and refracted within the layers of nacre. Mikimoto's expert craftsmen carefully polish each pearl to preserve this luster and enhance its beauty. Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto come in a variety of colors, ranging from the classic white and cream to the rare black pearls. The company also offers different shapes and sizes, allowing customers to find the perfect pearl that suits their personal style and preferences. Whether it is a delicate necklace, a stunning pendant, or a pair of elegant earrings, Mikimoto ensures that every piece of jewelry is crafted with precision and attention to detail. Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto have garnered worldwide acclaim and are considered a symbol of luxury and refinement. The company's commitment to excellence and innovation has earned them a reputation as the leading producer of cultured pearls. Today, Mikimoto continues to push the boundaries of pearl culturing, creating jewelry that is truly one-of-a-kind. In conclusion, Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto are a testament to the beauty and craftsmanship of cultured pearls. With their exceptional quality, natural luster, and wide range of options, Mikimoto's pearls have become an iconic choice for those seeking timeless elegance and sophistication in their jewelry..
Reviews for "The Cultural Significance of Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was so disappointed with the Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto. The pearls appeared dull and lacked the lustrous shine that I expected. Additionally, the size of the pearls was not consistent, some were noticeably smaller than others. For the price I paid, I expected better quality and craftsmanship. I would not recommend these pearls to anyone looking for a truly luxurious and elegant piece of jewelry.
2. John - 1 star - I had high hopes for the Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto, but unfortunately, they did not meet my expectations. The pearls had a weird yellowish tint that made them look cheap and fake. The necklace also broke after just a few wears, which was incredibly disappointing. I expected a reputable brand like Mikimoto to deliver better quality. I will definitely be looking for alternative options for cultured pearls in the future.
3. Emily - 3 stars - I had mixed feelings about the Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto. While I appreciated the concept of incorporating sea elements into the design, the execution fell short. The pearls were unevenly spaced, and the necklace often twisted and tangled. The clasp also felt flimsy and difficult to secure properly. I had to constantly readjust the necklace throughout the day, which was quite frustrating. Overall, I was not completely satisfied with my purchase.
4. James - 2 stars - The Sea Magic Cultured Pearls by Mikimoto did not live up to the hype for me. The pearls were advertised as being high-quality and exquisite, but in reality, they were average at best. The luster of the pearls was lacking, and the overall design felt uninspiring. I have seen similar necklaces at a fraction of the price that looked just as good, if not better. I regret splurging on these pearls and would advise others to explore different options before settling on these.