Vintage Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Drop Earrings | Circa 1980s | 8mm Cultured Pearls

An elegant and beautifully sculptural pair of vintage Mikimoto pearl and diamond drop earrings, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and dating approximately to the 1980s.

Each earring begins with a dimensional fluted gold motif, followed by a single sparkling round diamond in a bezel-style setting. Below, another sculptural gold cap gracefully embraces a luminous approximately 9 mm cultured pearl, creating a sophisticated drop silhouette with beautiful movement on the ear.

The pearls display a classic creamy white body color with soft rose and silvery overtones and attractive luster — the quality and restraint for which Mikimoto pearl jewelry is celebrated.

Unlike a traditional pearl stud, this design has real presence. The substantial gold work, articulated construction and touch of diamond sparkle make these equally suited to evening wear, bridal jewelry or simply elevating a white shirt and denim.

DETAILS

* Maker: Mikimoto
* Period: Vintage, approximately circa 1980s
* Possible Date Range: Late 1970s–Early 1990s
* Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
* Pearls: Cultured Pearls
* Pearl Size: Approximately 9 mm each
* Pearl Shape: Round
* Pearl Color: White/Cream with soft rose-silver overtones
* Accent Stones: Two Round Diamonds, one per earring
* Style: Articulated Drop / Dangle Earrings
* Closure: Post with friction backs
* Signed: Mikimoto maker’s mark
* Condition: Excellent vintage estate condition with minor wear consistent with age

DESIGN

What makes these especially beautiful is the gold work.

The upper and lower settings are formed into softly sculpted, overlapping petal-like folds rather than conventional plain mounts. A bezel-set diamond sits between them, creating just enough separation and sparkle before the pearl drop.

The result feels distinctly late-20th-century Mikimoto: refined and feminine, but with enough sculptural detail to make the earrings immediately recognizable as fine jewelry rather than simple pearl drops.

ABOUT MIKIMOTO

Founded by Kokichi Mikimoto, the house is synonymous with cultured pearl jewelry and has been producing fine pearl pieces since the late 19th century. Mikimoto opened its first pearl-specialty store in Tokyo’s Ginza district in 1899 and has remained one of the most internationally recognized names in pearl jewelry ever since.

These earrings beautifully represent the house’s ability to pair exceptional pearls with traditional fine-jewelry craftsmanship.

CONDITION

Presented in very good vintage estate condition. Light surface wear may be present consistent with age and prior use.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

An elegant vintage Mikimoto design combining 18K yellow gold, approximately 8 mm cultured pearls and diamonds — timeless enough to become an everyday signature, but distinctive enough to feel anything but ordinary.