We have Mr Mikimoto to thank for the global recognition of the Japanese Brand Pearl. Mikimoto first opened a pearl accessory store in Tokyo's Ginza district and exhibited his pearls at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1937, winning global fame.
Pearls in their original box generally fetch a higher price and re-stringing pearls on a regular basis is absolutely important in regards their condition.
Gloria, you mentioned the pearls are in a box. Is the Company name - ASAHI printed on the actual box? I read that "Asahi Pearl" is a Japan based company who specialize in Jewellery & Timepieces and an exhibitor at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show in 2009.
In the early Mikimoto days, in the 1930s, Mr Mikimoto was delighted when it was finally announced that the only difference between a Cultured Pearl and a Natural Pearl was the artificial "nucleus" at its heart, but otherwise there was no difference in the structure.
