Akoya Pearls
If you're looking for the classic set of pearls, look to Akoya cultured pearls. The Akoya is the most popular pearl, commonly seen in pearl strands and in earrings.
At Blue Nile we offer two collections of Akoya cultured pearls, Premier and Classic.
While industry wide there is no standardized grading for Akoya pearls, Blue Nile ensures that each pearl meets our high quality standards.
About Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are the specialty of Japanese pearl farms. The first pearls to be cultured early in the 1920s, their white color and rosé overtone complement a fair complexion. Because Akoya pearls are a high-quality pearl, you'll find them set with gold posts and clasps, and you'll find they are well matched for size, shape, and color. You'll also find few blemishes and a deep, beautiful luster.
You may notice that the Akoya looks very similar to the Freshwater pearl. When compared side-by-side, the difference is clear. Akoya pearls are on average larger, smoother, rounder, and more lustrous than Freshwater pearls. If you're looking for a remarkable gift, choose a gift of Akoya cultured pearl jewelry.
Our beautiful Akoya pearls are available as stud earrings, fashion earrings, strands, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets.
Blue Nile Premier Akoya Cultured Pearls
The Blue Nile Premier pearl collection is in the top 1% of pearls. At Blue Nile we ensure that each pearl meets our high quality standards.
Blue Nile Premier Akoya Cultured Pearls
LUSTER
Very High - Extremely high reflections
SURFACE
Flawless to Very Slightly Spotted - Very, very few natural blemishes visible to the unaided eye
NACRE
Very Thick - Very deep nacre coating
SHAPE
Round - all pearls are round and symmetrical to the unaided eye
COLOR
White - With rose' or silver overtones
Blue Nile Classic Akoya Cultured Pearls
The Blue Nile Classic pearl collection is in the top 5% of pearls. At Blue Nile we ensure that each pearl meets our high quality standards.
Blue Nile Classic Akoya Cultured Pearls
LUSTER
High to Medium - Good, clear reflections
SURFACE
Very Slightly Spotted - Few visible blemishes on some pearls
NACRE
Medium - Medium nacre coating
SHAPE
Very Slightly Off Round - Some pearls may be slightly less round and symmetrical
COLOR
White or Slightly Cream - With rosé overtones