Mikimoto pearls are well-known for their quality, as the company pioneered cultured pearls in the early 1900s. We typically buy them for $200–$1,000 with silver clasps, and $500 – $3,000 with gold clasps, with larger pearls fetching the higher price point.
Recently, a jeweler in Tennessee rediscovered a forgotten Mikimoto treasure from the 1970s in his safe. This exceptional piece, made of 18k gold and marked with Mikimoto’s signature, originally belonged to the wife of Minoru Tabata, the former president of Mikimoto America.
A note from Mikimoto in 2021 confirmed its original 1973 retail price of 2,000,000 JPY (about $20,000).
Since this is a unique piece with no direct comparisons, we recommend auctioning it with a small seller’s fee. Our estimated auction range is $20,000 – $40,000, with a modest reserve. We’ll share the auction results soon.
Want to see this rare piece in person? Visit our 4th Street store to see this item in person. We will be selling it on our sister business site, www.HessFineAuctions.com.
Three former Sothebyscom associates and three art historians
on staff. We are international buyers of estate jewelry, fine arts
and silver. We will buy for cash or consign to auction any
of your rare, valuable watches, antiques, coins or collectibles.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
