Akoya Pearls: One of Mother Nature’s Most Beautiful Gifts

While many people worldwide appreciate Akoya pearls for their high luster, perfect roundness and mirror-like intrinsic glow, far fewer may be aware of the story behind Akoya pearl cultivation, much less how a handful of intrepid entrepreneurs and scientists in Ise Shima Japan successfully ‘saved’ the world’s pearl aquaculture, an industry and culture on the verge of economic and environmental collapse at the time.

Remarkably, fully sustainable means of cultivating Akoya pearls was not at all well understood until the late 19th Century, when Mr Kokichi Mikimoto and his associates developed techniques to consistently cultivate beautifully round high luster Akoya pearls in Ise Shima Japan. From Ise Shima Japan, sustainable pearl farming techniques were then shared with the world at large. 

Whether South Sea, Tahitian or Akoya pearls, it is only thanks to these original innovators and pioneers that we see the beautiful cultured pearls we see in jewelry galleries today. Human endeavor ‘collaborating’ with Mother Nature. Lessons For All Of Us. Especially now in the early 21st Century.

How do Akoya Pearls Compare with Other Pearls? 

Akoya pearls are saltwater cultured pearls harvested from the Akoya Oyster – Pinctada Fucata Martensii. A Mother Akoya Oyster rarely produces more than 2 pearls in her lifetime which makes Akoya pearls rarer still. 

To generate an Akoya pearl, a mother-of-pearl “bead nucleus” and a small piece of mantle tissue is placed in the mother oyster. The bead serves as the nucleus of the pearl, creating an irritant which the mother oyster covers with thousands of calcium layers, most commonly described as nacre, over several months. The Akoya pearl oyster is the smallest among pearl-bearing saltwater oysters, roughly the size of a toddler’s hand. Once the nucleus is placed in the mother oyster, the pearl will grow over 18 months to 2 years. As in all forms of farming, the ultimate size and radiance of the newboarn pearl  depends on several external factors – climactic conditions, ocean tempuratures, intricacies of the 4 seasons, etc.

What Colors, Shapes & Sizes Are Available?

Akoya pearls are most popular in white, white with pink, gray or silver overtones and sometimes a creamy yellow color. Gazing into an Akoya pearl, if you can see a hint of pink, green or blue ‘soap bubble’ radiating from within, you have discovered a true Akoya pearl. 

Normally, Akoya pearls range in size from about 3.0mm – 9.5mm, with a few Akoyas reaching 9.5mm – 10mm, making them extremely rare and therefore more valuable. In the abstract, Akoya pearls are unique and sought after for their highly reflective luster, perfect roundness and high nacre density causing an intrinsic glow like no other pearl in existence. 

Everything You Need to Know About Natural Akoya Pearl Colors and Their Value

Natural Akoya pearls come in a variety of colors and shades, ranging from white to pink to black. Each color has its own unique characteristics and value. In this article, we will discuss the various natural Akoya pearl colors and their value. We will also explore how to determine the quality of an Akoya pearl based on its color, as well as how to choose the right color for your needs. Finally, we’ll discuss why natural Akoya pearls are so valuable and sought-after.

Akoya Pearls