Maiko Makito
Co-owner and Managing Director
Raised in Ise Shima, Japan, the birthplace of cultured pearls and the origin of world-renowned female pearl divers, Maiko Makito is the Co-Owner of the family’s Japan-based luxury pearl jewellery business, originally founded in 1985. A dynamic personality with aspirations to play a significant role in the pearl industry, Maiko’s overall responsibilities include management, growth and development of Pearl FALCO Corporation, based in Mie Prefecture, Ise Shima Japan, as well as its Singapore subsidiary.
Prior to Pearl FALCO, Maiko majored in Economics at Keio University in Japan. In 1999, Maiko began her career in the sales and marketing department at NEC Corporation in Japan where she quickly rose through the ranks in various management positions before becoming the Business Manager of IT Telephone Systems of NEC Asia Pacific in Singapore.
Career Journey and Background
Embodying her brand, Maiko’s vision for Pearl FALCO is to pass her knowledge of pearl jewelry on to future generations while sharing the story of her hometown, Ise Shima Japan, to the world. In 2018, Maiko conceptualized our annual Pearl Jewellery Competition – The Grand Prix Akoya Pearl in Ise Shima. Since then, the competition has grown substantially, with multiple entries from students, graduates and professionals around the world, have presented in an exhibition in Singapore and Japan annually.
Vision for Pearl FALCO
In 2024, she initiated The Pearl Legcy Project with a filmmaker to share a behind-the-scenes look at pearl farming, showcasing the artistry and dedication involved. This makes the process more understandable and relatable to a wider audience.
For Maiko, Pearl FALCO is so much more than a luxury pearl jewelry business. Through the sale of luxury pearl jewelry, Maiko strives to change lives, whether through tuition assistance, design impetus to the next generation of new designers, or to celebrate intricately designed pearl jewellery with her clients, complementing their strength and beauty, beautiful timeless works of art that her clientele can share with family members today, and for those they have have yet to meet.
Our Community
