The company's founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, created the first cultured pearl in 1893 in Japan, launching an entirely new industry.
To celebrate the 130th anniversary, the company has launched a multi-part anniversary campaign. It began with the “Love Letter to the Sea” earlier this year.
A six-part film series highlights the brand's relationship and love for the sea. It's a partnership it hopes to honor with its ongoing sustainability efforts.
“Mikimoto has always been dedicated to the beauty of pearls. She channels her hopes and dreams into jewelry making,” the company said. “So this year, Mikimoto will further continue its efforts to promote coexistence with nature. Especially with the sea, where pearls are cultivated.”.
Mikimoto said it will continue its pearl research and its work to implement a zero-emission pearl cultivation system. That is, a system that can collect and recycle waste from the process.
Achieving its goal of zero emissions has been a work in progress since 2009, the company said.
Previously, when pearls were harvested, the shells and flesh were discarded, although the flesh was used for food.
So now Mikimoto, together with its partners, reuses and recycles waste. Collagen and conchiolin, also known as pearl protein, are extracted for use in cosmetics and nutritional supplements. While oyster shells are used for decorative purposes.
“Mikimoto will continue its efforts to promote sustainable pearl cultivation. But at the same time it will preserve biodiversity and ecosystems,” the company said.
Of course, the anniversary celebration would not be complete without pearl jewellery.
Mikimoto recently unveiled its 130th anniversary collection, which is a combination of new and vintage jewelry. It also serves as a sample collection of its special and limited edition jewelry.
The collection consists of minimalist pearl pendants and earrings, as well as stunning pearl chains and colourful pins.
“In celebration of Mikimoto's 130th anniversary this year, we are not only honoring Mikimoto as the creator of cultured pearls, but paying tribute to the brand's origins from the sea and the beauty that pearls have given us for centuries,” said Noriko Otsuka, senior vice president of commercial products for Mikimoto America.
“Mikimoto's commitment to creating high-quality pearl jewelry in classic and modern styles is unrivaled in our industry. We therefore look forward to continuing to evolve and build on the brand's heritage.”.
The collection ranges in price from $640 for a pearl and enamel bracelet to $246,000 for a diamond necklace with a pendant pearl shell pearl.
Pearl lovers will find several varieties to be included in the collection. Such as white, black and gold South Sea pearls, white Akoya pearls and conch pearls.
Another aspect of the celebration is a series of new campaign videos, entitled “Love Pearls”. In them, the brand's famous fans share their wishes.
Among the celebrities featured are actress and Mikimoto brand ambassador Dilraba Dilmurat, designer Marc Jacobs, model Ai Tominaga, actress Mari Natsuki and actors James Jirayu, Song Wei Long and Taishi Nakagawa.
Dressed in Mikimoto jewelry, each video features a celebrity sharing her favorite pieces and memories associated with the historic brand.
“When I think of the most beautiful pearls in the world, I think of Mikimoto,” Jacobs says in his video.
“My favorite piece of jewelry is a single strand pearl that I wear not only for good luck but also to charm every look.”.
Natsuki, perhaps best known in the United States for her voice in the 2001 animated film Spirited Away, shared her cultural connection to pearls as a Japanese woman.
“What I love about Mikimoto pearls is the romantic story,” she said. “Plus, they make me feel proud as a Japanese and confident as a woman. Still the pearls are the gems that really make me feel happy to be Japanese.”.
The videos are available for viewing on the Mikimoto website.
Source: nationaljeweler.com
