Mikimoto pearl necklace buying guide

The cultured pearl necklaces produced by Mikimoto are in highest quality. Therefore, the following tips on how to choose a Mikimoto pearl necklace will be great useful.
1. The mark of “M”. Every jewelry produced by Mikimoto such as pearl necklaces, has an “M” stamped on its environment. This is a guarantee of quality. Nevertheless, in some cases, the mark of “M” will only guarantee how the setting is legitimate and not the pearls, which can be replaced and restrung.
2. Lengths : Choker style is 16 inches which emphasizes the neckline. Princess style is 18 inches, and it is the most common length of necklace, which hangs just below the collar bone. Matinee style is 22 - 24 inches. It is designed to give a more dramatic effect, hanging just over a blouse or dress with a clean line top. Opera style is 30 - 32 inches, which gives a more dramatic effect than the Matinee. This length also lends itself to be worn as a double strand by simply crossing it back over the neck. This length is generally reserved for more formal occasions. You can choose the length of the necklace according to your preference.
3. Grading: Even in photographs, it is clear that Mikimotos are of the best quality, AAA, as these pearls are exceptionally lustrous and mirror-like. The AAA grade is given only to pearls that are free of blemishes, as well. The next grade of pearls is the AA. These are nearly as reflective but may have very slight imperfections. Even the A+ and the A grades have wonderful reflective qualities but are more blemished than those graded higher. Considering that pearls are organic in origin, it is to be expected that they will rarely have perfect surfaces; a perfect pearl is nearly priceless.
4. Avoiding Mikimoto Imitations：Since Mikimoto pearl strands have become so popular, it is unfortunate that imitations of their Akoya cultured pearl necklace do exist. However, there are a few things that you can do to avoid imitations: look for the Mikimoto trademark, an oyster shell with an "M" inside, found on the back of the clasp. This trademark authenticates the piece. If the clasp is missing, it might not be possible to authenticate the pearl strand as Mikimoto.