Information on Saltwater Cultured Akoya pearls

Origin of Akoya pearls:

Akoya pearls are cultured in the Pinctada fucata martensii and the Pinctada fucata chemnitzii oysters mostly in China and Japan.

Akoya pearls are a bead-nucleated pearl- which means a bead that is composed of mother-of-pearl and mantle tissue is inserted into the oyster. The quality of this nucleus is important because if it is not round, the pearl will not be round. Usually 2 nuclei are inserted into each oyster, which are set aside for a recovery period of up to 6 weeks. They are then placed in baskets in the water for a growth period ranging anywhere from 1-2 years. The growth rate depends on factors including water temperature and season.

Sizes of Akoya Pearls:

Akoya pearls vary in size from 2mm-10mm, with best-sellers being between 5mm-8.5mm.

Shapes of Akoya pearls:

Akoya pearls are known for being round. The round shape makes them such popular pearls for necklaces and bracelets because they have such good matching qualities. While less common, Akoya pearls can be found in semi-round, semi-baroque and baroque shapes.

Colors of Akoya pearls:

Most Akoya pearls are a shade of white with overtones of rose, ivory and silver. Many people choose the overtone based upon what would look best with their skin tone. The black Akoya pearls that are so popular today are treated either with some type of dye or through a process called irradiation to give the pearls a rich dark color.

The inner layer of the Pinctada martensii oyster is creamy- white with a bluish tint. The so-called lip is yellowish-orange to brown.

Grading Akoya pearls:

The GIA includes size, shape, color, luster, surface, nacre thickness and matching of pearls within jewelry as its factors in grading. Please feel free to visit Museum Way Pearls grading system.

Where the word “Akoya” comes from:

The word “Akoya” has been referenced as “Ako” an old Japanese word that is obsolete meaning “my baby” or “my child” and “ya” a word still used today is a term of endearment.*

Museum Way Pearls carries a wide variety of Akoya pearl necklaces and Akoya pearl earrings, sets and bracelets. If you like a particular style of Akoya pearls and do not see it on our website, contact Museum Way Pearls and we can discuss customizing a stunning piece of pearl jewelry just for you.

See our collection of Akoya pearl jewelry

*From “Pearls” by Elisabeth Strack