Pearl FALCO. SingaLife Weekly Maiko Makito’s Interview with a Pearl FALCO Pearl Expert & Sales Manager

Pearl FALCO wishes to thank SingaLife for featuring members of the Pearl FALCO community and team members in a series of six articles about Pearl FALCO’s “Jewelry Makers,” which we will be posting in the coming weeks. SingaLife’s original articles were published in Japanese and are translated into English here. From the SingaLife Series, Maiko’s “Interview with a Pearl FALCO Pearl Expert & Sales Manager.”

Pearl Experts Make Ise Shima & Cultured Pearls Sing

Thanks to Ise Shima’s unique ecology and the dedicated efforts of so many people over the last 120 years, sustainable pearl cultivation continues to thrive here in Ise Shima, Japan, the birthplace of cultured pearls.
Introducing Ms Midori Sono. An Artist with Pearls.

One of Six Articles in Pearl FALCO’s SingaLIfe series features Ms Midori Sono, who is responsible for transforming pearls into works of art and is an expert in sorting and processing pearls. After graduating from college in Kyoto,Japan, Midori joined a pearl processing company in Ise City, where she was born and raised.

Interview with a Pearl Farmer
sono san
At the time of Midori’s college graduation, the pearl industry in Japan was in its heyday, tied to the growth of the Japanese economy at that time. Pearl expertise was in great demand, and for women especially, working with pearls was a sought-after position.

No Great Pearl Is Found By Accident

Each cultured pearl you see in a Pearl FALCO Showroom passes through human hands at least 3,000 times. As local pearl farmers bring in their annual harvests in the winter months, each pearl will be washed, toned, sorted and graded before being selected for a work of jewelry.

Midori processes pearls with her human senses, especially by eye and touch, distinguishing different pearls to determine their suitability for particular works of art.

“Pearl processing is not such a simple task. The work of identifying different pearls one by one and forming a series of them is a work that enhances concentration and sharpens the senses, an involved process that requires focus and dedication.

“Just as people like to show their best sides, I search for the most beautiful side of each pearl and maybe drill a hole on the other. Sometimes the scent of the saltwater tides come out, reminding me that this pearl was born in the ocean.” Midori explains.

Midori’s Lifetime Preoccupations. Raising Great Children & Shaping Beautiful Works of Art.

Midori has fond memories of raising her two daughters. Being fully involved in the pearl industry as she was raising her daughters, it was important for Midori to convey to them that women can and do, “contribute to society in significant and meaningful ways.”

“A pearl, a living jewel, born here in Ise Shima Japan, mysterious and elegant. I would like to think Akoya pearls are especially gorgeous, a treasure of Japanese culture to share with the world.”

Midori’s eyes light up as she arranges a new display case. “Before your eyes, the jewelry on display demonstrates a daunting amount of time, dedication and cooperation by so many people.”

Each & Every Pearl Has a Story to Tell

“I would love to share some of the wonderful stories behind the pearls, from harvesting to the impact they have had on a family’s love through multiple generations.” Midori explains.

Midori has always been a calm person by nature. One of Midori’s greatest strengths is her grace. And like Midori, Akoya pearls cultivated in Ise Shima reflect upon the efforts and affection of its people. Thanks to the efforts of Midori and others, Ise Shima continues to remain a national treasure.

A Few of Midori’s Favorite Pearl FALCO Designs

Akoya Pearl Necklace N108

Design on Purpose, Not by Accident. Midori sees this Pink Akoya Pearl Woven Strand Necklace as a design characteristic of what Pearl FALCO does every day, heirloom quality luxury pearl jewelry designs as thoughtful and as well put together as fine timepieces. A long time Pearl FALCO Best Seller and the perfect match for your very special occasion.

 

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Rings Symbolize the Eternal Human Bond. Midori thought of this newly arrived design as a great addition to Pearl FALCO, expressing an eternal bond with 2 White Akoya Pearls tied together with a diamond studded platinum ‘bow.’ symbolizing ‘communion and the pairing of 2 souls.’ What a wonderfully beautiful design meant to savor a lifetime of memories together. 

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Rainbow Mabe ‘Teardrop’ Pearl White Gold Clip On Earrings. Direct from Pearl FALCO’S Design Studio. One of Pearl Falco’s latest designs. The rainbow colors and luminous luster of Mabe Pearls compose some of the most unique pearl jewelry designs in the world today. Mabe Pearls come in several unique shapes, and Midori is especially intrigued by this design’s teardrop shape.