Mikimoto

I don’t know how many Mikimoto stores are in America. I did not bother to google it. Suffice to say there is none in San Francisco and that means when in New York, one must walk on 5^th Ave and find your Mikimoto store, which is conveniently located across from Tiffany’s, and right by Central Park and Bergdorf and Goodman. All seemed too good to be true, considering it’s a very short walk from where I stayed at the Park Hyatt and it’s on my way to my most favorite spot in New York, the MoMa.
I had some level of doubt and wanted to compare Tiffany’s Akoya pearls with Mikimoto’s Akoya’s. Both fairly recognizable brands and both get their ocean pearls in Akoya. I was told Mr. Mikimoto gets his first dibs. I’ll buy that. When shopping for pearls, however, one should not make any other choices but at Mikimoto. For size 8 mm, one get 18K white or gold settings, with three grades to choose from A to AAA, plus each grade there are some variations. I could not tell the difference, the lady says, «don’t give up, keep looking.» The store had one Asian sales lady, and being that I’m Asian, it seems that she was assigned to me. There were no other patrons in the boutique at the time, and there were mobbed crowd at the Tiffany’s, seems like a no brainer as to which store I’d shop for pearls. So I got a lot of attention, whereas at Tiffany’s, where I had purchased other items before, it took a whole 3 minute for a sale person to show up at the pearl’s counter, unlike the SF one, where they were on you the moment you get there.
I’ve worn them before, bought and given to me by a former beau. This is the second pair, and I would say the backing seemed to have improved since the 1990s, and that the luster seems to be just as mesmerizing as I had remembered.
In middle age, the reality is setting in. I have limited time on earth. Everything is on decline. And there is no reason to save for that unknown future. The future is known, death and deterioration are imminent. But pearls are lustrous, and in those beautiful, shining pearls, I see not only a brighter future, but a milestone that marks the arrival of the middle age: I have arrived. I like my pearls, and I don’t hesitate to buy them, not because I need to have them, but I want them, and therefore I will have them. Who says diamond is a girl’s best friends? I’d go with pearls. Good quality ones, buy them at the Mikimoto store on the 5^th Ave, or fly to Japan to get them there or both, as the case may be.

It’s a small store, and the variety on display is definitely limited, but the people there are incredibly helpful, patient, and will explain things to you even if they don’t think you will buy anything. Even the security guy was friendly.
They do have pearls of various sizes and hues. So beautiful!

My mother was in town for 3 days and needed her pearl necklace restrung before she departed. I came into the store on a Monday night and was greeted by a pleasant doorman who opened the door for me. I walked in and made my way toward the closest employee (who was perfectly postured behind the glass counter).
I explained my situation and she offered to rush the order at no additional cost in order to have it done by Wednesday night or Thursday morning. She said she would call me Wednesday to confirm with me. Wednesday evening rolls around and still no phone call. I called the store to check the status and there was a bunch of confusion to say the least. (like where the necklace was, if it was done, if they had it, they couldn’t find the receipt on file, etc.) Finally, after a bunch of back and forth we were informed that the necklace was ready to be picked up. Pick up went smoothly.
I appreciate the effort put forth by the people working in customer service; however, they need to get their admin department a little more organized when you call. I have higher standards from a place like this one.

My experience with this store has been very good. I lost one of the earrings from my lovely set of Mikimoto Akoya pearl collections. When I checked the Mikimoto website to replace it, I discovered that style was discontinued. I bought a new pair that looked similar but was not the same. So I went over to the Mikimoto store on Fifth Avenue and discussed the situation with Matthew Giusto. He said the style was no longer available but he could send the one earring to their branch in Asia and have them custom make it’s mate. I agreed to go along with the plan. It took 4 months but I got my earring replaced last week. Perfect match as you can see. I am very pleased with the service, craftsmanship and professionalism of this store.

Amazing jewellery shopping experience! Armed with a bit of online pearl research, I was ready to do some anniversary shopping. After reading about the history and quality of Mikimoto, I was ready to buy and had umpteen questions for anyone helping me. I was promptly greeted by Ursula in the lovely boutique store, who was extremely knowledgeable and helpful in explaining the different types and qualities of pearls. Never rushing me, she patiently showed me different pendants and strands and answered all of my questions. She was always mindful of the budget I mentioned and never tried to exceed it. In fact she recommended something under budget when I finally decided exactly what I wanted. It was really a pleasurable experience and I will certainly recommend to others and will be back for the matching set soon.

Just as another point of view, I found these people friendly and helpful, even after I told them I wasn’t there to buy, but just to get some clarifications on the details of their jewelry.
I’ve purchased several pieces at other stores, generally in Asia, so I’m familiar with the line.

I used to love Mikimoto. I love pearls! My mom got a ring at the Japan store about 3 years ago. She wore it for about a year and then the pearl fell off. Since she lives in Mexico, she had a local jeweler fix it. Not long after, it fell off again, but she tought it was the jeweler’s fault. She didn’t wear it for about a year, she was waiting to come to New York so that she could have the store fix it.
We went in and they told us they could fix it for 80 dollars. This was my first problem, because if you are buying a piece from Mikimoto, it has a reputation and they should back their jewelry. I mean, you are not buying at Walmart, where I would expect this.
Anyways, we agreed to have it fixed and have it shipped to my home in Boston. When the ring was ready we got a call from Mikimoto saying it was going to be the $ 80 plus $ 10 for «gluing» it and $ 15 for shipping. Total of $ 105 for fixing the pearl that should not have fallen off the first time. Also, I have shipped stuff several times and shipping a ring has never cost me $ 15 dollars. And what is up with the gluing price tag???
Plus what made me even more mad was that during the week that my mom was here with me the pearl of her earring fell off !!! Also a pair of MIKIMOTO earrings. I told this to the sales associate, Miko, and she just said to bring it to have it fixed. Yeah right, and pay $ 100 for gluing back a pearl that should not have fallen off the first place???
I am extremely disappointed in Mikimoto and Will NOT buy anything there again. I might as well buy a pearl in any other store and know that i will have to pay for repairs but knowing that I Will not pay the high price in the first place.
If you are thinking about shopping there, think twice.

Excellent service, beautiful pieces.

SLEAZY.SLEAZY.SLEAZY!
My husband, for some unknown reason bought me a strand of pearls here for xmas, forgetting I already own 5 strands (don’t ask.). We tried to return them… but they would only give us store credit for within 14 DAYS of purchase! EVERYTHING in that store is FUGLY — something your half-​blind suburban grandma might wear.
Left the merch, and the credit. Now it’s in dispute with our credit card.