Learn About Akoya Pearl
Akoya pearl oysters only produce around two pearls per harvest. This makes them a lot rarer than Freshwater pearls.
Akoya Pearl
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
-
Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June Birthstone
Round
Overview
The most basic way to define an Akoya cultured pearl is to call it a seawater jewel as it is made by oysters and not mussels (found in lakes and rivers). But there’s a lot more to this gem than meets the eye. To begin with, it is a bead-nucleated cultured pearl that is produced by Pinctada fucata martensii.
Also known as the Akoya oyster, this particular species of marine bivalve mollusk belongs to the Pteriidae family of pearl oysters and is native to the Indo-Pacific region. Their inner surface is lined with a thick layer of nacre that possesses a metallic sheen. This feature is responsible for giving an Akoya pearl its beautiful luster.
1. Key Origin
- Almost 95% of Akoya pearl farming takes place in Japan.
- It is also produced in China, Vietnam, South Korea and Australia.
2. Nucleation
- As the process of nucleation takes place in the gonad of the oyster, it is able to accommodate only one or two nucleus bead at the time of implantation.
- This usually results in only one pearl being produced by the time harvest season arrives.
Know About Other Gems
Akoya Pearl
“Akoya pearl oysters only produce around two pearls per harvest. This makes them a lot rarer than Freshwater pearls.”
- White
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June
- Round
Know About Other Gems
South Sea Pearl
Among all the cultured pearls in the world, White South Sea pearls are the rarest and most valuable.
- White, Golden,
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June
Freshwater Pearl
A single freshwater pearl mussel can produce up to 50 pearls at a time! Now, isn't that something?
- White
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June
Tahitian Pearl
Tahitian pearls come from Tahiti? False! These pearls are actually grown in French Polynesia.
- Black
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Hope, Healing, Positivity.
- June
Golden South Sea Pearl
The value of a Golden South Sea pearl depends on its color. The deeper the golden hue, the higher the pearl's value.
- Golden
- 2.5 to 4 Mohs
- Gemini , Cancer
- Purity, Clarity, Wisdom
- June
Quality & Grading
Unlike most of the other gemstones that are found within the crust of the earth, the pearl is an organic jewel created by a living creature. For this reason, the grading parameters used to assess its quality will be slightly different. But there are six important aspects that you should always keep in mind when looking for a good quality Akoya pearl.
Luster
Surface
Color
Shape
Nacre Thickness
Size
Currently, there is no universally accepted method for evaluation of pearl quality. The below-mentioned features, however, will help you understand the features of both an heirloom-grade and best-quality Akoya pearl.
| Gem Quality | Luster | Surface | Brilliance | Rareness | Shop Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heirloom (AAAA) |  Ultra High | Very minor blemishes with almost clean surface | Ultra High | Top 1% |
Classic Japanese Akoya Pearl Single Strand Bracelet$949 |
| Best (AAA) |  Very High | Minor blemishes with most of the surface clean | Very High | Top 10% |
Japanese Akoya Pearl Solitaire Pendant with Diamond$799 |
| Better (AA) |  Medium | Medium blemishes with moderate imperfections on the surface | Medium | Top 33% |
Japanese Akoya Pearl Cage Pendant$489 |
| Good (A) |  Medium | Moderate blemishes with major imperfections on the surface | Low | Top 10% |
Japanese Akoya Pearl Ring with Trio Diamonds$929 |
Treatment
Original Japanese Akoya pearls are naturally beautiful, and they do not require any kind of treatment. This gem is painstakingly cultivated and left to grow for more than a year, which results in thick layers of nacre leading to an exceptionally lustrous surface.
Unfortunately, the constant demand for Akoya pearls has also led to many cultivators producing greater quantities of low-quality pearls in a faster span of cultivation time. It is recommended that you make your purchase only from a reputed jewelry brand like Angara, which does not sell artificially treated Akoya pearls
Why Choose
01 How valuable is an Akoya Pearl today?
Akoya pearls have been loved for their gorgeous, classic white look since they were launched in the jewelry market by Kokichi Mikimoto way back in 1912.
In the case of Akoya pearls, only 20% of the final harvest is considered fit for use in jewelry, and even among that only 5 to 10% is deemed as high quality. Because of this, they are the third most expensive commercially produced pearl, after South Sea and Tahitians.
02 What makes Akoya Pearls a must-have?
- Perfect Round Beauty: One of the mains USPs of the original bead-nucleated Japanese Akoya pearl is its perfect round shape. Because of this feature, all the Akoya pearls in a strand will look like a near-perfect match, with little to no variation.
- A Real Treasure: The Akoya pearl oyster is an extremely sensitive organism. They need to be treated with extreme care. The birth of even a single Akoya pearl is a result of painstaking efforts and years of patience. All these factors, along with the ultimate gratification in the form of a gleaming and beautiful Akoya pearl make it a priceless treasure.
Style & Care Tips
01 The right way to flaunt Akoya Pearls
If you don’t wish to look too over-the-top or want to flaunt a simple yet sophisticated appeal then consider buying a simple pair of Akoya drop earrings or a solitaire pendant. Both these options look especially good on corporate attires and outfits in soft pastel colors.
A strand of Akoya pearls makes an impressive statement when teamed up with a classic black dress (think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s). If you’re not too sure about donning a pearl strand on your neck, then simply wear one on your wrist in the form of a bracelet. In any case, always try to aim for a minimalist and refined look when wearing Akoya pearls
Care Instructions
Pearls are delicate treasures and need to be treated with love and care. Keep the following simple tips in mind to ensure they look brand new for years to come.
FAQs
1. What factors determine the quality of Akoya pearls?
The quality of Japanese Akoya pearls is determined by several factors, including nacre thickness, luster, surface quality, shape and size. A thick nacre ensures high luster and a smooth surface enhances their visual appeal. Akoya pearls are particularly prized for their nearly perfect round shapes, a rare feature that adds to their beauty and value.
2. What is the typical size range of Akoya pearls?
Akoya pearls generally range from 2mm to 10mm in size, with sizes between 6mm and 8mm being the most popular. Larger sizes, especially above 8mm, are rarer and more valuable due to the technical challenges in cultivating them.
3. What factors should I consider when purchasing Akoya pearls?
When purchasing Akoya cultured pearls, consider their luster, which should have a mirror-like shine that reflects light beautifully. Evaluate the surface quality, as pearls with fewer blemishes are more desirable. Shape is another critical factor, with perfectly round pearls being the most prized. Lastly, consider the color, which is typically white or white with a pink overtone, ensuring it aligns with your personal preferences or desired aesthetic.
4. Where are Akoya pearls found?
As the name suggests, the majority of Japanese Akoya cultured pearl farming takes place in Japan. These seawater treasures are formed in the Pinctada fucata martensii oysters.
