Mikimoto Kokichi: The Father of the Cultured Pearls Industry
Pictured above Mikimoto Kokichi in his early twenties around the time he entered the pearl industry.
Mikimoto Kokichi was a Japanese pearl farmer, entrepreneur and the founder of Mikimoto Pearl Island. He is credited with creating the first cultured pearl and is considered the father of the modern cultured pearl industry.
Born in 1858 in the city of Toba, Japan, Mikimoto was the son of a noodle maker and grew up in poverty. He began diving for pearls at the age of 12, and by the age of 20, he had saved enough money to purchase his own diving boat. He began cultivating pearls using the method of pearl cultivation that was developed by William Saville-Kent in the 1890s.
Mikimoto’s own method of pearl cultivation involved inserting a small bead into the gonad of a mollusk, which over time, would be covered in nacre, creating a pearl. This was a significant breakthrough in the pearl industry, as it allowed for the creation of pearls that were identical in shape and size, thus increasing their value.
Mikimoto's pearl farm was located on Mikimoto Pearl Island in the city of Toba. He opened the first Mikimoto pearl shop in 1899, which sold pearls that were grown on his farm. His pearls quickly became popular among the wealthy and elite, and Mikimoto began to expand his business, opening shops in other cities in Japan, and eventually, around the world.
In the early 1900s, Mikimoto began to develop new methods of pearl cultivation, including the use of larger beads, which produced larger pearls, and the use of different species of mollusk, which produced pearls of different colors. He also introduced the use of the "nucleus bead method," which used a small, round bead instead of a larger, irregularly shaped one. This method produced pearls with a more round shape, which was more desirable in the market.
In addition to his work in pearl cultivation, Mikimoto was also a pioneer in the pearl jewelry industry. He was the first to use pearls in a variety of jewelry designs, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pins. He also introduced the use of pearls in everyday jewelry, making them more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Photographed above Mikimoto Kokichi wearing the medal he was awarded by the Japanese government
Mikimoto's contributions to the pearl industry were recognized by the Japanese government, and in 1908, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, a prestigious Japanese order, for his work in promoting the pearl industry in Japan.
He continued to innovate and expand his business throughout his life. He established the Mikimoto Pearl Museum in 1899 and in 1918, he introduced the use of cultured pearls in the manufacturing of high-end watches. In 1920, he started to export his pearls to the United States, which was the starting point for Mikimoto to become a global brand.
Mikimoto Kokichi sadly passed away in 1954, but his legacy continues to live on through the company he founded, Mikimoto, which is still in operation today and is considered one of the most respected and well-known pearl companies in the world.
Mikimoto's story is remarkable as he started from a humble background and went on to become a successful businessman and leading figure in the pearl industry. He is remembered not only for his contribution to the pearl industry but also for his innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that made pearls accessible to people all over the world. A true legend in the jewelry industry!
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