Triple-Strand Mikimoto Cultured Pearl Necklace with a Custom-Made 18K Gold Rectangular Diamond Clasp

This elegant and classic Mikimoto pearl necklace features three individual strands containing 94, 98 and 104 cultured pearls, respectively. The strands hang at 16, 17, and 18 inches in length but come together to attach with one custom-made 18K yellow gold and rhodium enhanced rectangular clasp that is pavé-set with 14 round, brilliant-cut diamonds. The pearls graduate in size from 3.5 mm to 7.4 mm in diameter as they span from the clasp to the front. The largest pearls on each strand are separated by 10 yellow gold spacers which, if worn centred at the front, allow for the clasp to be visible at the side.

Mikimoto pearls are the highest grade of cultured pearls available. In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in producing the world's first cultured pearl and was affectionally referred to as the "Pearl King." This was a significant development in the jewellery industry and forever changed the pearl jewellery landscape. All Mikimoto pearls are perfectly round with no lumps or imperfections. The nacre is of high quality: thick, rich and full of lustre. The pearls range in size from 3 mm to 10 mm, depending on the size of the mother oyster. There is no colour variation in the pearls within the piece of jewellery. Vintage Mikimoto jewellery was always set with cream-coloured to white pearls. Vintage pearl strands were traditionally threaded on a double silk strand with individual knotting between the ends of four or five pearls only. Individual knotting was not traditional in Japan, nor in any Asian country for that matter, as it was seen to distract and interrupt the beauty of the strand. All Mikimoto jewellery is marked either with Mikimoto or the trademark "M" in an Akoya oyster shell and either a silver or gold mark. The clasp on this piece is marked with a "M" and 750 which is the European mark for 18K.

• 18K yellow gold
• (296) 3.5 mm to 7.4 mm round cultured pearls, separated into three rows (94, 98 and 104)
• (14) round, brilliant-cut diamonds (0.16 ctw)
• Diamond colour: G-H
• Diamond clarity: VS to SI
• Average total gram weight is 48.5
• The three strands measure approximately 16", 17" and 18" in length
• Independently appraised value for insurance purposes: $9,300.00 (note: may not reflect selling price)

All items in the Estate Originals Collection are estate pieces created in years gone by. Although this item is in excellent condition, it could have some signs of its age and past enjoyment. The images shown are of the exact item you will receive.