Mikimoto Blue Lagoon Pearl Necklace Value Guide
- Period
- 1980-1990
- Origin
- Japan
- Materials
- Akoya pearls, 14k yellow gold, silk thread
- Category
- Mikimoto pearls
The Mikimoto Blue Lagoon line represents a prestigious era of Japanese Akoya pearls, specifically curated to maintain the brand's high standards for department store distribution. These 1980s-1990s necklaces are highly collectible for their consistent luster and the legacy of Kokichi Mikimoto, the pioneer of cultured pearls.
What affects the value of Mikimoto Blue Lagoon Pearl Necklace?
- The presence of the original Mikimoto Blue Lagoon retail packaging and documentation significantly sustains the $450-$500 valuation.
- Surface quality and the absence of pitting or blemishes on the Akoya nacre directly impact the market price.
- The integrity of the silk stringing; stretched or frayed thread may require professional restringing which affects immediate resale value.
- Uniformity in pearl sizing and color matching across the entire single strand.
How to Identify Mikimoto Blue Lagoon Pearl Necklace?
- Check the clasp for the specific 'BL' or 'Blue Lagoon' hallmark alongside the 14k gold purity stamp.
- Examine the pearls for the signature Akoya mirror-like luster and slight pinkish overtones characteristic of Mikimoto selection.
- Verify the presence of the original blue velvet or silk-lined presentation box which often features the Blue Lagoon branding.
- Look for silk thread knotting between each individual pearl, a standard construction technique for this line.
History of Mikimoto Blue Lagoon Pearl Necklace
Mikimoto is the world's most renowned name in cultured pearls, founded by Kokichi Mikimoto in 1893 after he successfully created the world's first semi-spherical cultured pearl. The Blue Lagoon line was established to offer high-quality Akoya pearls that met Mikimoto's stringent grading standards while remaining accessible to a broader market through upscale department stores.
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