Akoya pearl 7 – 7.5 mm – with a 0.9 mm hole

Akoya pearl 7 – 7.5 mm – with a 0.9 mm hole

Akoya pearls are usually small in size, with excellent luster and a perfect spherical shape. They are a high quality alternative to freshwater pearls.

Akoya pearls are named after the Akoya pearl oyster, known as pinctada fucata. Cultivated in bodies of salt water, Akoya pearls are cultivated in Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam. However, the best Akoya pearls come from Japan.

Akoya pearls were first cultivated in the 1920s, not surprisingly in Japan, by Mikimoto Kokichi. If the name sounds familiar, that's because Mikimoto has become a household brand for luxury pearl jewelry. The cultivation of Akoya pearls revolutionized the pearl industry, lowering prices and, for the first time, making pearls accessible to everyone.

Cultured Akoya pearls
Today, all Akoya pearls on the market are cultured. It can take about a year and a half for an Akoya pearl to be ready for harvest. However, less than 5% of the harvest can be considered gem quality. While a freshwater mussel can contain up to 50 pearls at a time, Akoya oysters typically only produce about 2 pearls at a time. They are nucleated only once, unlike hardy freshwater mussels that can be nucleated multiple times.

Of all pearl-producing molluscs, the Akoya oyster is the smallest. To stimulate pearl growth, trained technicians embed a bead core into the oyster. The oyster's defense mechanism is triggered and the "irritant" stimulates its nacre secretion. 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, brighter and more durable it becomes.

For the perfect Akoya pearl to form, the conditions must be right. This includes the temperature of the water as well as the pH balance of the water. Too much acidity or alkalinity and the sea pearl is damaged. As a result, Akoya pearls can only be grown in certain locations.

The colors and shades of Akoya pearls
Akoya pearls come in a range of colors, although the quintessential color is white, gray or cream, with shades of cream, pink, green or silver. Rose-hued Akoya pearls are generally the most sought after because they have a beautiful feminine blush look. You may sometimes come across blue Akoya pearls with bright silver and pink hues, but these are very rare and quite expensive.

Black Akoya pearls are quite popular in the market, but it is important to note that they have been dyed to achieve this color. The only black pearls that occur naturally are Tahitian pearls, and all other varieties of black pearls get their color by artificial means.

Akoya pearl shapes
Because Akoya pearls are cultured with a bead core, they are almost always round or nearly round. This makes it easier to match pearls to form pearl strands or pearl bracelets. However, Akoya pearls also occur in irregular baroque and semi-baroque shapes.

Nowadays, as the trend of wearing non-traditional and unique jewelry designs is on the rise, these irregularly shaped Akoya pearls are in demand and make modern and distinctive designs.

What size are Akoya pearls?
Because Akoya oysters are the smallest pearl-producing creature in the world of pearl culture, Akoya pearls are usually small. They range from 2 mm to about 11 mm, with most being between 6 mm and 8 mm. Also, Akoya pearls are generally cultured for 24 months, which allows for a short growth 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 shimmer is actually the performance of light, traveling through the nacre layers and reflecting back to us.

Akoya pearls tend to have an excellent luster than other varieties of pearls, especially freshwater pearls. Their brilliance is sharp and like a mirror. There are many reasons why the luster of Akoya pearls is so good, including the rate and style of nacre secretion by the oyster, as well as the conditions in the oyster's environment. If you are looking for a very shiny and reflective pearl, then Akoya pearls are an excellent choice.

How to care for Akoya pearls
Because pearls are very soft, it is essential to take care of them. One of the best things you can do for your pearls is to wear them regularly, as this keeps them hydrated and polished (from body oils).

When cleaning pearls, always use a non-abrasive cloth, mild detergent and lukewarm water. Simply create a foamy solution and use the cloth to wipe away any dirt and grime from the pearls. Make sure not to submerge the pearls for a long time and rinse them well under running water. Soaking the pearls can damage the string and sea of ​​pearls.

Also, avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners as they can damage your pearls.

When storing pearls, avoid direct sunlight or warm environments, as well as airtight containers or bags, as these can dry out the pearls and cause them to become brittle and lose their color. Placing a wet cotton ball with the pearls in a cloth bag will ensure they stay hydrated. Pearls are very soft and must be stored separately to avoid scratches from other objects.

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