What Are Akoya Pearls?
Akoya pearls are organic gemstones that are grown by specific oysters. They are often cultured, meaning that they are grown in controlled environments.
The Japanese Akoya pearl was the first pearl type to be cultured in the early 1920s, introducing more affordable, not to mention beautiful, pearls to the world’s market. Akoya pearls form inside the Pinctada fucata martensii, the smallest pearl oyster in the world.
What Sets Akoya Pearls Apart?
Famous for their white body color and perfectly matched shape, Akoya pearls are the signature elegant pearl.
It’s no accident that Akoya pearls are a favorite for the signature pearl strand. These delicate June birthstone gems are incredibly uniform, and they’re an instant go-to for matched necklaces and earrings.
How Are Akoya Pearls Made?
Today, Akoya pearls are cultivated across Japan, China, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Most jewelry with these precious pearls features Akoya cultured pearls, which are consistently stylish for fine jewelry.
To grow Akoya pearls, pearl farmers kickstart the process by placing a small bead, called the nucleus, inside specific oysters to stimulate the production of nacre. The pearl-growing oyster continues the process by growing a pearl as it would naturally. Over several years, the lustrous nacre builds up to form a perfectly round, smooth Akoya pearl with overtones ranging from silver to rose. Their incredibly high luster gives a mirror-like effect, making Akoya pearls a favorite for the ages.
What to Look For in Akoya Pearls
When buying Akoya pearl jewelry, it’s important to understand what makes these gems unique. Learning the most important qualities of Akoya cultured pearls can help you choose the perfect Akoya pearl necklace, bracelet, earrings, or other jewelry styles. Keep these Akoya pearl buying tips in mind.
Size
While larger pearls typically command a higher price, matched pearls make a stunning impression in any size. Akoya pearls range from 3.0 mm to 9.5 mm, and are sold by size rather than weight to ensure fair value.
Color
Saltwater pearl oysters produce a variety of colors, but the classic white pearl remains the favorite for the Akoya. Soft overtones of rose, cream and silver lend subtle differences to these white pearls, so it’s worth exploring the spectrum to find what feels right.
Shape
Many pearl buyers gravitate to Akoya for their perfectly round shape. While baroque shapes are popular for an alternative style, spherical Akoya pearls are the market favorite for timeless pearl strands.
Luster
We love Akoya pearls for their luster, a bright glow so smooth you can see your reflection. Light bounces through the thick nacre of Akoya pearls, creating their signature mirror-like beauty. We offer a selection of quality Akoya pearls in a range of stunning colors. Browse our exceptional Akoya cultured pearls, which rank in the top five percent of pearls, or celebrate with premium Akoya cultured pearls, which rank in the top one percent.
How to Choose Akoya Pearl Jewelry
It’s easy to choose beautiful pearl earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets when all of our Akoya pearls are gorgeous to look at. Here’s what to consider for buying pearl jewelry.
1: Determine Your Budget
When you want the iconic pearl strand at an affordable price, Akoya pearls are an effortless choice. Available at a lower price point than other saltwater pearl types, Akoya delivers an equally exquisite round shape and rich cream color.
2: Shop by Style
Akoya pearls’ flexible price point makes it easy to browse colors, sizes, and styles. While larger pearls are more expensive, our quality gold fittings make every pearl elegant. Browse delicate drop earrings for a subtle everyday look, or go big and bold—there’s an Akoya pearl for every occasion.
3: Find a Retailer You Trust
There’s nothing wrong with changing your mind! If you’ve purchased a set of pearls and discovered a color or style you love even more, we make it easy with 30-day free returns, no questions asked. Learn more about our exceptional customer service, and feel confident knowing you’ll always find something you love.
How to Tell if Akoya Pearls are Real
The easiest way to tell if you have authentic Akoya pearls is to purchase your pieces from jewelers you can trust. You can also do a visual inspection of your Akoya pearl jewelry to determine if you have the real thing. Genuine Akoya pearls, including cultured pearls, may have irregular textures on the surface. They also have a luster with multiple tones and clean drill holes. Real Akoya pearls tend to be denser than fake pearls, making real Akoya jewelry heavier than inauthentic pieces.
How to Care for Akoya Pearls
For more information about caring for your Akoya pearls, read our gemstone and pearl care guide.
After you wear them, wipe them clean with a soft cloth. Store pearl necklaces laying flat to prevent the string from stretching.
For more information about caring for your pearls, read our helpful guide on gemstone and pearl care.
It’s not just the pearls themselves that respond well to a little TLC. Taking care of your silk string extends the life of your pearl strand too.
If you have an Akoya pearl necklace with strands, make sure to store the jewelry flat. Laying your Akoya pearl strands flat, rather than hanging, helps avoid stretching. It's also recommended to have strands of Akoya pearls restrung every 1-2 years.If you have an Akoya pearl necklace with strands, make sure to store the jewelry flat. Laying your Akoya pearl strands flat, rather than hanging, helps avoid stretching. It's also recommended to have strands of Akoya pearls restrung every 1-2 years.
Additionally, you should avoid submerging Akoya pearl jewelry, or any pearl jewelry for that matter, in water.
Learn More About Pearls
Perfectly matched and wonderfully bright, it’s easy to fall in love with Akoya pearls. Find out what makes all pearls special—and give your jewelry box a treat—with our collection of freshwater, South Sea, Tahitian pearls.
