Among all the saltwater pearls, Akoya pearls are the most popular. Commonly used in pearl earrings and necklaces, where they give a striking and elegant appearance. However, these have particular characteristics that differentiate them from the rest, so it is convenient to know how they differ. Since many sellers tend to call any type of pearl as Akoya pearl. Which usually generates confusion when buying this type of gems of organic origin.
So, if we will analyze everything you need to know about this type of pearls, so that you can avoid being scammed or simply identify them to facilitate your purchase.
What is an Akoya pearl?
Akoya pearls are usually small in size, with excellent luster and a perfect spherical shape. They are a high quality alternative to freshwater pearls and this is reflected in their higher price.
These gems are named after the Akoya pearl oyster, known as the pinctada fucata. Cultivated in bodies of salt water, these are farmed in Japan, China, Korea, and Vietnam. However, the best Akoya pearls come from Japan.
They were the first to be cultivated in the 1920s, not surprisingly in Japan, by Kokichi Mikimoto. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Mikimoto has become a household brand of luxury pearl jewelry. Akoya pearl farming sparked a revolution in the pearl industry, lowering prices and, for the first time, making pearls accessible to everyone.
Akoya cultured pearls
Today, all Akoya pearls on the market are cultured. On average a pearl can take about a year and a half to be ready for harvest. However, less than 5% of the crop can be considered gem quality. While a freshwater mussel can hold up to 50 pearls at a time, Akoya oysters typically produce only about 2 pearls at a time. They only nucleate once, unlike the hardy freshwater mussel which can nucleate multiple times.
Of all the pearl-producing molluscs, the Akoya oyster is the smallest. To stimulate pearl growth, trained technicians embed a core of beads into the oyster. The oyster’s defense mechanism is activated and the ‘irritant’ stimulates its secretion of nacre. Only about 50% of Akoya oysters survive the nucleation process. Over time, the oyster covers the bead core with layer after layer of nacre, gradually forming the pearl. The longer the oyster is allowed to create the pearl, the larger, shinier, and more durable it becomes.
For the perfect Akoya pearl to form, the conditions must be just right. This includes the temperature of the water and the pH balance of the water. Too much acidity or alkalinity and the nacre of the pearl is affected. As a result, Akoya pearls can only be grown in specific locations.
colors and shades
This type of pearl comes in a wide range of colors, although the color par excellence is white, gray or cream, with shades of cream, pink, green or silver. Akoya pearls with pink undertones are generally the most sought after as they have a beautiful blush feminine appearance. You can sometimes come across blue Akoya pearls with bright silver and pink undertones, but they are very rare and quite expensive.
Black Akoya pearls are quite popular on the market, but it is important to note that they have been dyed to obtain this colour. The only natural black pearls are Tahitian pearls, and all other varieties of black pearls are artificially colored.
Shapes
Because Akoya pearls are cultured with a core of beads, they are almost always round or nearly round. This makes it easier to combine pearls to form pearl strands or pearl bracelets. However, they also come in irregular baroque and semi-baroque forms.
Currently, as the trend of wearing unique and non-traditional jewelry designs is on the rise, these irregular shaped Akoya pearls are in demand and are modern and distinctive designs.
Size
Because the Akoya oyster is the smallest pearl-producing creature in the pearl farming world, Akoya pearls are typically small in size. They range from 2mm to about 11mm, with most being between 6mm and 8mm. Akoya pearls are also generally cultured within 24 months, allowing for a short growing period.
Akoya pearl luster
Luster is one of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing pearl jewelry and has a direct correlation to its value. What we see as glitter is in fact the performance of light, traveling through the layers of nacre and reflecting back to us.
Akoya pearls tend to have an excellent luster than other pearl varieties, especially freshwater pearls. Its brightness is sharp and mirror-like. There are many reasons why its gloss is so good, including the speed and style of the oyster’s nacre secretion, as well as the conditions in the oyster’s environment. If you are looking for a very bright and reflective pearl, Akoya pearls are an excellent choice.
Worth
High-quality Akoya pearls can fetch high prices, sometimes in the thousands of dollars. The price of Akoya jewelry also depends on the quality of the setting and the workmanship.
These are the most affordable of the saltwater pearl varieties, but are much more expensive than freshwater pearls. For example, compare these two 18-inch pearl necklaces below. While they look similar in appearance, the price difference is nearly $500!
Akoya Pearl Jewelry
Akoya pearls are usually strung into beautiful strands for necklaces and bracelets. They can be graduated or uniform in size, and used individually or in layers. Layering smaller Akoya strands, whether in bracelets or necklaces, makes for a striking and elegant look.
Some other popular jewelry styles include classic Akoya pearl earrings, rings and pendants. These go great with any outfit, casual or formal, and add a level of sophistication and elegance to any look.