On Wednesday… Mikimoto (fine quality pearls) is hosting its semi-annual sale. While this is being pegged as an “employee” sale, it’s open to the public (as long as you know about it). In the past, we’ve covered the Japanese label’s sales and we’ve found strands of pearls from $8,000 to $16,000. Also available are bracelets, earrings, rings and more.
If the main line collection is way over your budget, there are offerings from the label’s diffusion line, Blue Lagoon (sold at stores such as Zales) for far less where you may find strands of pearls for around $600. The discount at this sale ranges from 50 to 70% off the retail price. Most of the main collection pieces are 50% off while you can find up to 70% off savings on Blue Lagoon and discontinued items. The sale goes through this Friday… This sale is one I always like to attend so I’ll try to check it out… But do let us know if you happen to stop in.
Where/When: 680 Fifth Ave. (b/w 53rd & 54th St.), 4th Floor. June 20th-June 22nd; Wed (11-7p), Thurs (10-7p), Fri (10-7p).
Pretty expensive. Wanted Akoya studs but they only had Blue Lagoon freshwater. The biggest size was also only 6.5.. It ended up being a hundred bucks, which isn’t bad, but is it that much better than Macy’s, which can be a third of the price?
Almost walked away empty handed, because everything was so expensive but after waiting in line, in the heat, I wanted some kind of reward:).
It was pretty hard to see the case, the staff seemed frustrated even so early into it ( around noon) and no cell phones allowed inside-at all!
Pretty much everything was only fifty percent off.
Wish they had some simpler and cheaper things in the main one instead of pushing the Blue Lagoon instead. Though I did see someone put on a strand from there that looked pretty good.
Are you going to this one?
Hi Stephanie – I do agree with you that the markdowns aren’t that fabulous on the main collection. While I like going to this sale, I inevitably end up wanting something that’s way beyond my budget. One sale, a choker (more than $10,000) caught my eye. Obviously, I didn’t get it. But I have found gifts at past sales and one or two things for me. Thanks for sharing your shopping experience. I hope I can get to this one. I just like checking out what’s on offer… Maybe tomorrow?
I’m curious what you think- of the sale and the Blue Lagoon line.. What lucky people in your life to get Mikimoto presents!!:)
I’m so jealous!
And, I tend to love the crazy exspensive stuff there too.. Their stuff is beautiful!
Also, plastic bags only at this one- no pouches even
I think blue lagoon is still akoya, not fresh water. they are not as bright as main collection, but still better than freshwater in macy’s. actually i compared, it is brighter than south sea shell pearl.
I was told that it was freshwater from the salesperson helping me…you’re right, it’s not as striking.
I have south sea black pearls from the main collection and they are stunning, with really great backings..these are a little better than Macy’s since it has two grooves in the back.
Which South Sea did you compare them to? And, were they the ones from the sale or what’s in stores now, which might be different?
stephanie, I did not compare it with real south sea pearl, i compared with shell pearl,it is some synthetic pearl made with shell bonded onto glass core.
a quick check on zales and you can see that blue lagoon pearls are described as cultured akoya pearls. to me the lustre is better than the average ones like from macy’s but below mikimoto’s main line which is of course at a premium price. i think that the earring backings of blue lagoon are also superior to average dept store earrings due to the sturdiness and grip. This is important to me as I tend to lose my earrings when the backings are filmsy.