Explaining the differences between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls in 4 points! Also introducing the price range and lifespan

The differences between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls are as follows:

Hanadama pearls are a name given to Akoya pearls that are recognized as being of high quality. Hanadama pearls have gained popularity due to their overwhelming beauty.

If you are wondering whether to choose Akoya pearls or Hanadama pearls, it is important to understand the characteristics and differences of each.

In this article, you will learn the following:

• Differences between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls by category
• About Identification Certificates for Akoya Pearls and Hanadama Pearls
• Market price of Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls

By the end of the book, the differences between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls will become clear and you will understand the quality of pearls you are looking for.

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What are Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls?

First, we will explain the differences between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls based on their characteristics.

• Characteristics of Akoya pearls
• Characteristics of Hanadama pearls

Knowing the difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls will help you decide which type of pearl you are looking for. Here we will explain the characteristics of Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls in detail.

If you watch until the end, you will understand the difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls and deepen your knowledge about pearls.

Characteristics of Akoya pearls

Akoya pearls are characterized by their beautiful, transparent shine. Their luster and subtle colors, such as cream and pink, are appealing and they are loved by people all over the world.

Generally, the size of an Akoya pearl is around 8mm . They tend to be slightly smaller than other pearls.

Akoya pearls were the first type of pearl to be successfully cultivated in the world in 1893. As a result of this cultivation, they have become steadily available on the market, and have come to be recognized as fashionable jewelry.

Therefore, it is important to note that from the 1920s to the 1980s, many people thought of "pearls = Akoya pearls."

Characteristics of Hanadama pearls

Hanadama pearls are a type of Akoya pearl that meets a certain level of quality. Pearl producers used to call pearls with few scratches and a beautiful shine "Hanadama," and appraisal agencies began to use the term to distinguish them from regular Akoya pearls.

Hanadama pearls are characterized by their beautiful shine and luster, and few scratches, and are said to be very beautiful pearls. Because pearl appraisal agencies issue Hanadama pearl identification certificates, they are also suitable as gifts for coming-of-age ceremonies, engagement ceremonies, weddings, etc.

In addition, due to their high quality, Hanadama pearls can also be worn for formal occasions such as funerals and weddings, where formal attire is required. The appeal is that they can be worn for a lifetime as jewelry.

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What is the difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls? Explained in four categories

We will explain the differences between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls in the following four categories.

• Rolling
• Shine
• scratch
• shape

If you look at the above four points, you will be able to understand the differences between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls. Here, we will explain the contents of each point in detail.

By the end, you will understand the subtle differences between Akoya and Hanadama pearls and be able to decide which is better for you.

Rolling

The difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls is in their "maki" (winding). Maki refers to the thickness of the nacre.

The thicker (more abundant) the pearl, the higher its quality. It is also important that it is more durable and less likely to deteriorate.

The nacre of Hanadama pearls is thicker than that of regular Akoya pearls . The pearl appraisal certificate will have a mark at 0.4mm or 0.5mm of nacre, or it will state that the nacre is thick.

Hanadama pearls are thickly coiled, giving them a strong shine. Another advantage is that the quality does not deteriorate even if they are polished for maintenance.

Shine

Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls also differ in their "luster." Luster refers to the shine and gloss of the pearl's surface.

Pearls with good luster have a clear and sharp silhouette of the object reflected in the pearl. You will also notice a unique luster emanating from the pearl's core.

The luster of a pearl is closely related to its shape. When a pearl, which has many layers of nacre, takes in light from the outside, the light is reflected in complex ways inside and then released to the outside.

The above phenomenon is what creates the deep, lustrous shine.

Hanadama pearls have a stronger luster than Akoya pearls, and the impact of their reflections and luster is stronger. In the luster category of pearl appraisal certificates, they are stated as "strongest" or "strong".

scratch

The presence or absence of scratches and blemishes is also a factor in determining the difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls.

Pearls are gemstones that grow using the bounty of nature such as the sea and lakes. Also, because their surface is softer than other gemstones, they develop scratches and unevenness called dimples during the growing process.

Pearls with few scratches, dimples, or cracks on the surface are classified as high quality (Hanadama pearls). In the pearl appraisal certificate, the damage section will often say "slight" or "no damage or small damage."

However, there are almost no pearls that are completely free of scratches or blemishes on their surface. Even Hanadama pearls can have small scratches.

shape

The difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls is their shape. Pearls that are close to perfectly round are highly valued.

Compared to regular Akoya pearls, Hanadama pearls are characterized by the fact that almost perfectly round pearls are selected. In the shape section of the pearl appraisal certificate, they are described as "round" or "round to almost round."

Hanadama pearls are used in jewelry because they are nearly perfectly round in shape and uniform in size. When you check the pearls lined up like a necklace, you will see a beautiful uniformity.

In the case of Hanadama pearls, the finishing section of pearl appraisal often states that they are "excellent."

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Explanation of the identification certificates for Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls using two institutions as examples

Here we will explain the identification certificates for Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls using two institutions as examples.

• Pearl Science Institute
• Pearl Research Institute

The above institutions are highly reliable when it comes to pearl appraisal. Here we will explain in detail the identification certificates issued by these two institutions.

By the end of the article, you will have a better understanding of the identification certificates for Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls, and will be able to identify the characteristics of each item.

Pearl Science Institute

The Pearl Science Institute is an institution that has been involved in pearl appraisal since 1978. Over its long history, it has developed a variety of pearl appraisal methods and machines.

Let's take a look at the contents of the Pearl Science Institute's identification certificate.

Pearl Research Institute

The Pearl Research Institute is an appraisal organization established in 1998. With the aid of machines, our experienced professional appraisers use their own eyes to determine the value of pearls.

Let's take a look at the contents of the Pearl Research Institute's identification certificate.

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Are Hanadama pearls really the highest quality Akoya pearls?

Hanadama pearls cannot be said to be the highest quality Akoya pearls. The definition of Hanadama pearls is vague, and the criteria for judging them vary depending on the evaluation and ranking methods used by appraisal agencies.

Even if one appraisal agency certifies a pearl as a Hanadama pearl, there may be cases where another agency will decide that it is not a Hanadama pearl.

Also, some appraisal agencies set a higher grade than Hanadama pearls , so Hanadama pearls cannot be said to be the highest quality among Akoya pearls.

There are also quality ranks higher than Hanadama.

Here we will explain in detail about the grades higher than Hanadama pearls. Check out the quality rankings set by the Pearl Science Institute and the Pearl General Research Institute below.

The most beautiful Akoya pearls are the Tennyo, Yukihaku and Five Star. They are more valuable than Hanadama pearls and are more expensive.

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Market price range for Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls | Are there any differences in price?

Here we will introduce the market price for Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls.

• Akoya pearl prices
• Price of Hanadama pearls

If you are wondering if there is a difference in price between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls, it is recommended that you understand the market prices of the two pearls.

By the end, you'll understand the price difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls and be able to decide whether they fit within your budget.

Akoya pearl prices

The prices of Akoya pearls are as follows:

Akoya pearl jewelry can be purchased for as little as a few thousand yen. The price of pearl jewelry combined with diamonds and other gemstones rises dramatically.

In addition, Akoya pearl jewelry from brands such as MIKIMOTO tends to be expensive because they use high-quality pearls.

Price of Hanadama pearls

The prices of Hanadama pearls are as follows:

Generally, even the cheapest Hanadama pearl jewelry is valued at several tens of thousands of yen. Necklaces with pearls over 10mm can be as expensive as 5.5 million yen.

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Do Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls deteriorate? An explanation of their lifespan

Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls deteriorate over time. Both Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls are organic gemstones produced by the Akoya oyster, a mother oyster.

Unlike inorganic gemstones such as diamonds, organic gemstones are created by living organisms and therefore tend to decay over time. For this reason, the lifespan of Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls is said to be around 20 to 30 years.

Another characteristic of this stone is that the surface will turn yellow as it ages, and it will lose its iridescent and aurora-like luster.

However, the lifespan of a pearl depends on the type, quality, and storage method, with higher quality pearls tend to last longer. Higher-grade Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls can have their lifespan extended by daily care.

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Comparing the differences between Akoya pearls, Hanadama pearls and other pearls

Please check the comparison table below to see the differences between Akoya pearls, Hanadama pearls, and other pearls.

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Frequently asked questions about the difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls

Below are four frequently asked questions about the differences between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls.

• Which is more luxurious, South Sea pearls or Akoya pearls?
• What is the difference between Akoya pearls and freshwater pearls?
• Does Mikimoto sell Hanadama pearls?
• What is the highest grade of pearl?

Some people may still have questions about the difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls. Here, we will explain the questions that everyone has about the difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls, along with the answers.

By the end, your doubts about the differences between Akoya and Hanadama pearls will be answered and you will have a clearer idea of ​​which one best suits your needs.

Which is more luxurious, South Sea pearls or Akoya pearls?

When comparing South Sea pearls and Akoya pearls, South Sea pearls are superior.

South Sea pearls are pearls produced from oysters that live in the South Pacific Ocean. They are rarer than Akoya pearls, so they are also priced higher.

South Sea pearl oysters are large, and the pearls that grow inside them are over 10mm in size. Necklaces made from large, high-quality pearls can sell for millions of yen .

On the other hand, Akoya pearls can be purchased for as little as a few thousand yen, making them easier to purchase than South Sea pearls.

What is the difference between Akoya pearls and freshwater pearls?

The differences between Akoya pearls and freshwater pearls are as follows:

Only one Akoya pearl is produced from each oyster, whereas 10 to 50 freshwater pearls can be harvested from each oyster, making mass production possible and cheaper.

Akoya pearls are suitable for wearing at weddings, funerals, and other special occasions, but freshwater pearls are not. Please understand the differences and characteristics of each type before choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Does Mikimoto sell Hanadama pearls?

Mikimoto does not sell Hanadama pearls. Mikimoto is a pioneer in pearl farming and has created its own standards to rank pearls as follows:

1. The Best of the Best
2. MIKIMOTO PREMIUM
3. Mikimoto Quality

The promotion of Hanadama pearls was originally started by the pearl industry in order to promote the popularity of pearls.

Mikimoto does not participate in the promotion of Hanadama pearls and operates in its own established position, so it is unlikely that they will continue to sell Hanadama pearls in the future.

What is the highest grade of pearls?

There are three highest ranks of pearls:

• Angel
• Snow White Pearl
• Five Star
  

Tennyo is the name used by the Pearl Science Institute. Yukihakudama and Five Star are used by the Pearl General Research Institute.

The above three ranks are given to Akoya pearls that are outstanding in terms of luster, shape , and the amount of damage. The luster in particular is far superior to that of regular Akoya pearls.

Another feature of pearls that are recognized as Tennyo, Yukihaku, or Five Star is that their value is officially certified, such as by being clearly stated in an appraisal certificate.

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Summary: Know the difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls

Let's review the differences between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls.

Akoya pearls can be purchased for as little as a few thousand yen, and are recommended for those looking for affordable pearls that can be used for weddings, funerals, etc. On the other hand, Hanadama pearls can cost as much as several tens of thousands of yen, so they are suitable for those looking for something special and high quality.

Which is better depends on your preferences and needs. Check out the differences and features explained here to find a pearl that you can enjoy for a long time.

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