Akoya Pearls

Akoya pearls, one of the first pearls to be cultured, have been harvested in Japan since the 1920's. Of the highest quality and luster, these saltwater pearls are larger and smoother than most freshwater pearls. They are the most popular pearl, the most beautiful, and , of course, the most expensive.

Although mother of pearl taken from shells of the Akoya pearls oyster has been valued in Japan as a decoration for inlay of jewelry and other items for quite some time it wasn't until the 1920's that the culturing of these pearls was first established by Kokichi Mikimoto. Since then, these pearls have come to be known for their quality and perfect roundness that makes them indistinguishable from natural pearls.

When buying pearl jewelry made with Akoya pearls or any pearl for that matter, you want to consider size, shape, luster, and color. Typically, the larger the pearls, the larger the price tag but the quality of the pearl has a lot to do with that as well. A low quality pearl with little luster can be bought in a much larger size for less than a smaller high quality lustrous pearl. When in doubt always go for the best quality pearl you can buy.

A perfectly round pearl is most desirable but rather rare - Akoya pearls are known for their rounded shape and most desirable in this aspect. When inspecting your pearls take into consideration the shape and any blemishes on the surface of the pearl. Cracks, holes or chips can get worse over time so avoid pearls with any of these problems.

In addition to shape, Akoya pearls are also known for there luster, being a saltwater pearl they are larger than freshwater pearls and have more layers of nacre. The nacre is the substance that is secreted by the oyster to keep the irritant from being irritating. The more layers of this that can build up the more sheen or luster the pearl will have.

Most pearls are graded as to quality so when selecting pearls, be it Akoya pearls, freshwater pearls or any other kind of pearl it pays to shop around and buy from reputable merchants. Check the grading system and if possible buy only pearls that are graded "excellent" using the GIA grading system. If you really want to get the most for your money, stick to buying the highest grade pearl you can get.

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