Akoya pearl is a category of saltwater pearls from Akoya oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii), which are regularly cultured. Although the name is Japanese but the oyster derives from China; China got a great culturing history. Akoya oyster (The South China Sea Pearl) is available in the sea region of Southern China.
At present, the Akoya oyster is extensively used to culture pearls in China, Hongkong, Japan, Korea, and Sri Lanka. China is turning out to be the major manufacturer of Akoya pearls.
Akoya pearls are usually roundish. Their skin colors vary from light pink to white or creamy. Sizes collection from 3mm – 9mm. Round shaped Akoya pearls are larger than10 mm are especially rare. If we get them the cost will be a lot higher than the similar size South sea pearls.
Akoya Pearl Grading System:
| Akoya Pearl Grading |
Round |
| AAA |
luster : Excellent ;
Blemish : 95% - 99% Free ;
Smoothness : Very Good ;
Nacre : Thick ; |
| AA+ |
luster : Very Good ; Blemish : 90% - 95% Free ; Smoothness : Very Good ;
Nacre : Thick ; |
| AA |
luster : Good ; Blemish : 80% - 90% Free ; Smoothness : Good ;
Nacre : Moderate to Thick ; |
| A+ |
luster : Moderate ; Blemish : 70% - 80% Free ; Smoothness : Good ;
Nacre : Moderate ; |
| A |
luster : Low to Moderate ; Blemish : 60% - 70% Free ; Smoothness : Moderate ;
Nacre : Light ; |
Akoya Pearl Value:
Akoya pearl value can estimated using these 6 qualities:
- Akoya pearl Nacre
- Akoya pearl Luster
- Akoya pearl Surface
- Akoya pearl Shapes
- Akoya pearl Color
- Akoya pearl Size
Akoya pearl Nacre And Luster
Akoya pearl is the strongest in terms of luster in all pearls. Sometimes, even in a dull location, a high quality Akoya pearl can still shine and reflect the enough light and can exhibit the strong contrast of the brightness and gloomy part.
Akoya pearl trade standard, 0.35mm is the least nacre thickness of Akoya Pearls. Hence, GIA classify a nacre thickness for Akoya Pearls.
Akoya pearl Surface
It is very common that Large or thick nacre Akoya pearl has a few marks on the surface. As the pearl get those, marks as with they live a long time in the oyster.
Akoya pearl Shapes
Akoya pearls divided into 4 shapes:
- Round,
- Off-round,
- semi-baroque and
- baroque
Akoya pearl Color
Akoya pearl Body Colour
| Light Pink |
 |
| White |
 |
| Light Cream |
 |
| Cream |
 |
| Dark Cream&Yellow |
 |
Overtone
Pink: higher the value
Silver: without much affection
Green: sometimes decrease the price slightly
Akoya Pearl Size
Akoya Pearls wide size range is under 9mm, under 7mm Akoya pearls China is major producer and Japan is about 7mm is major producer
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