JAPANESE AKOYA

About the Pearls

Throughout history, pearls have always been highly cherished as symbols of perfection, purity, beauty and elegance. Akoya pearls are the classic round white pearl made famous by the most elegant women of our times. In addition, Akoya are the first round pearls to be successfully cultured.

AKOYA OYSTER
Lat. Pinctada Fucata

Size Range: 3-10 mm
Avg.Size: 7 mm

Growth Time:
8-24 months

TOPICS

History & Cultivation

Before successful cultivation, rare natural pearls were naturally formed within oysters or other mollusks. Early pearls were found by people harvesting oysters for food and decorative shells. These pearls were prized by royalty and the very wealthy.
In the late 1800’s to early 1900’s pearl cultivation technology was developed in Japan and Akoya saltwater pearls became a part of the worldwide jewellery market.

Akoya Today

Today, as nearly a century of technology and experience have been earned, Akoya cultured pearls have seen a resurgence in the world find jewellery market.
Many of the techniques remain similar - from oyster cultivation, nucleation, oyster tending, harvesting and post processes.

Colours

White Akoya is the classic pearl. Within the classic white pearl colour there are also overtones. This is the subtle colour the pearl reflects. The pearls themselves have an inner glow that reflects ambient light in a very complementary way so they literally reflect the wearer's radiance.
Recently, darker pearls with more of a metallic, satiny sheen have also become popular. Akoya pearls are now available in these darker colours as well.

Value Factors

The value of each Akoya pearl and finished pearl jewellery piece is dependent on a variety of factors. The appearance of the pearl is paramount with factors such as luster, roundness and surface quality.
The matching of the pearls on a finished jewellery piece can influence its value.
In addition, less visible factors such as nacre thickness may also effect the pearl’s and pearl jewellery’s value.

Hanadama

Hanadama certified pearls means 'flower pearl' - it is a name that is issued to Japanese Akoya pearls that have been reviewed by the Japanese Pearl Science Laboratory and that pass the review process.
Only the EXACT strand of pearls that has been reviewed by the Pearl Science Laboratory can be named and sold as a Hanadama grade pearls. The strand of pearls labeled as Hanadama pearls should be accompanied by a Hanadama certificate issued just for that specific pearl necklace.