At 35 5/8 inches long, these pearls may be draped long or doubled. At just over opera length, the pearls themselves average 5.5 mm in diameter or a little over.

Graded A to AA, each glows even in shadow or low light. Round, well-matched, and with only tiny blemishes visible with powerful magnification, these live up to the Mikimoto tradition. Find a strand like this today new, not that you can in this length, and they would cost over $8000.

Hues range from a base of creamy white, but give off pale hints of pink. One of the most flattering of pearls, this vintage strand is not too white and not too yellow.

A decorative (and scarce) vintage flower shaped 14k yellow gold clasp is textured and sculpturally formed and set with another pearl.

Note: Mikimoto no longer owns their own pearl farm and their production is outsourced. So these are coveted as during this era, Mikimoto had full control over their pearl quality.

Cultured Akoya pearl prices are soaring according to many sources including AGTA (the American Gem Trade Association). See their article entitled, "Buckle Up"?Japanese Akoya Pearl Prices Have Skyrocketed 80% with No End in Sight" published March 8, 2023. By Jennifer Heebner, Editor in Chief.