"I would like to adorn the necks of all the women of the world with pearls." Kokichi Mikimoto. Born to a noodle-maker in the small town of Toba, Japan, Kokichi Mikimoto followed his vision and passion, becoming one of the world's greatest inventors. His creation - the cultured pearl. Throughout history this rare jewel of the sea has possessed mystery, power, and wealth. Mikimoto tells the story of one man's quest to uncover the secret of an iconic gem of nature. Today, Mikimoto is synonymous with the pearl and recognized internationally as a symbol of excellence. Heavy in the hand and cool to the touch, a Mikimoto pearl remains the ultimate symbol of purity, high style, and natural elegance. AUTHOR: A widely published British journalist, Nick Foulkes is currently the luxury editor at GQ magazine, editor of Vanity Fair ON TIME, and a columnist for Country Life and The London Magazine. 60 illustrations