Ise Shima is the foremost location on earth that shares beautifully cultivated round Akoya pearls worldwide. In 1890, Mr Kokichi Mikimoto, a trader from Ise Shima, sought to create diamond grade pearls and devoted years to better understand oyster cultivation in Ise Shima, with the assistance of Tokyo University Professor, Dr Kakichi Mitsukuri and his student, Mr Tokichi Nishikawa.

In the late 1800’s, pearls had become overvalued and overharvested in Ise Shima, practically forcing the local pearl cultivation industry to the brink of collapse. Under the tutelage of Dr Mitsukuri, fellow researcher Mr Nishikawa discovered how to make round pearls by embedding a tiny fragment of shellfish into the receiving oyster. It was thanks to their combined efforts that the pearl cultivation industry became fully self-sustaining. This practice lives on in Ise Shima to this day. The art and craft of Akoya pearl cultivation spread from Ise Shima to the world and contributed to the development of pearl culitvation worldwide.

Pearl Falco is proud to be a part of this grand historic legacy. When visiting Ise Shima and our Pearl Falco Showroom, one can better appreciate the hard work and innovation of generations of Ise Shima families. Now, over 120 years later, Ise Shima has built a local economy involving all aspects of pearl cultivation, including collection, cleaning, preparation and the design and creation of luxury pearl jewellery.

A Brief History of Akoya Pearl Farming in Ise Shima