All of my pearls are Mikimoto. Each time I have been in Tiffany's wearing them, the sales people always comment and ask if they are from Tiffany's. When I tell them no, that they are Mikimoto - each of them has always said "Yes, Mikimoto sells the best/highest quality pearls". I would stick with Mikimoto for pearls even if Tiffany's sales people hadn't said that to me, but perhaps you will find that interesting in making your choice. I heard someone say once, "Tiffany's is to diamonds what Mikimoto is to pearls" and I agree that Mikimoto is the leader for both quality (and price for the quality) in pearls.