Featured Pearls bought in JAPAN 1960's

I believe the box reads Munetomo.

Debora

 

I also read it as Munetomo, no idea what it is but there is another topic here about pearls of the same maker.
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/help-with-some-pearls.30758/

I found a business register for Japan, where there is such a jewelry company registered in Ginza, the most fashionable and expensive district of Tokyo (know it from Japanese friends). May not be Mikimoto but apparently also a high-end jewelry company.
https://jpn.bizdirlib.com/node/160667

• Company Name: Ginza Munetomo Co., Ltd.
• Country: Japan
• Address: 2-6-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• International Area Code: 81
• Phone: 03-3344-6994 (+81-03-3344-6994)
• Category Activities: Jewelers
• Area: Tokyo
• Industry: Jewelers

 

Karen, do you believe the pearls were purchased in Japan? In Tokyo? And, if so, where did he usually stay in Tokyo? Did he still have access to a PX?

Debora

 

In my reckoning from the presented evidence the father was a military man and might have been sent to some of USA military bases there - which are many. Japan has had strong US military presence after WWII. Just like West Germany. East Germany had a strong USSR military presence, including thousands of troops up until the collapse of USSR.
IMO, there is no need the military base to be in Tokyo, I guess the US guests had been offered some time and opportunity for Tokyo sightseeing, once in Japan. And Ginza usually is on the top of the list. Something like 5th Avenue in NYC.
Debora, pardon me, what is a PX?

 

Make that 3 for Munetomo (a company I have heard of before.)

I have 2 necklaces and a pair of earrings from Mikimoto. The necklace clasps don't say SILVER (because they are gold ) but do have the Mikimoto logo on them.

 

Information about base and post exchanges.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Base_exchange

Debora

 

You know... I suspect those may have been lovely gifts from groups your father would have been doing business with. Was a common (international) business practice at the time and could explain why he gifted your mother with not one, but two, lovely pearl necklaces.

Debora

 

True. My father also got gifts for my mother from international business contacts. I still have some of them.
One of his Indian contacts even gave him stunning silk sarees to give to my mother and myself.

 

Sure it is another possibility, and with high probability. But in this case I assume that this would have been told by the father to the family, no reason to claim buying them. While the TS says "bought in Japan".
IMO, these pearls seem to be from high-end maker and rather expensive.

Thank you, Debora, for the explanation!

 

One more point: TS mentions business trips in plural which can explain why there are two pearl necklaces. Bought during different trips.
The habit of giving small presents to business partners is still alive. I myself have been given by our Japanese partners. But these are small souvenirs, nothing like these pearls, they are too exquisite and I guess, expensive. These pearls are quite personal and express a great affection, IMO.

 

just a thought....
the earrings....screwbacks.....
ya have to know the woman you're buying for......

 

I stand corrected, my old eyes!