What are Akoya pearls? A comprehensive explanation of their characteristics, differences from other pearls, and basic care

Akoya pearls, with their soft white and cream colors, are the most well-known type of pearl. Their elegant shine makes them a familiar part of jewelry, fitting in with everything from formal occasions to everyday fashion.

This article explains the characteristics of Akoya pearls in the following sections:

• What are Akoya pearls? Basic information
• Characteristics of Akoya pearls
• Value and grade of Akoya pearls

Through this article, you will learn about the charm of Akoya pearls, which are loved by people all over the world, and you will want to touch a real Akoya pearl.

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What are Akoya pearls? Basic information explained

Akoya pearls are also known as "mermaid's tears" or "moon drops," and are said to have existed in Egypt as early as 3200 BC. The following four characteristics of Akoya pearls are explained in detail.

• Akoya pearl shell
• Akoya pearl production area
• Historical Background of Akoya Pearls
• The stone meaning of Akoya pearls

The characteristics and history of Akoya pearls are essential to the way people have come into contact with the beauty of Akoya pearls and come to understand their appeal.

If you watch until the end, you will understand why Akoya pearls are so valuable.

Akoya pearl shell

Akoya pearls are harvested from Akoya oysters, which belong to the family Bivalvia in the order Bivalvia. If sand or parasites get inside the oyster and are not expelled, the mantle membrane will wrap around the foreign objects inside the oyster.

Eventually the mantle becomes a pearl sac and the accumulation of calcium and protein forms a nacreous layer, resulting in a beautiful pearl.

However, since only one pearl can be harvested from one oyster, and the shape of the pearl can change if any foreign objects get into it, it is difficult to use natural pearls in jewelry.

In addition, it often takes more than 10 years for natural pearls to grow large , so it is difficult to harvest many high-quality pearls. The probability of finding a natural pearl is extremely rare, at just 1 in 1000 .

For this reason, most pearls on the market are cultured.

Akoya pearl production area

Japan's three leading pearl producing areas are Ehime Prefecture, Mie Prefecture, and Nagasaki Prefecture. Nagasaki Prefecture is the top producer, but Mie Prefecture is also well known as a pearl producing area because it is home to Japan's first pearl specialty store, Mikimoto's pearl farm.

Nagasaki Prefecture, the top producer of pearls, produces 5,200 kilograms per year as of 2022. Pearls harvested in Tsushima and Iki are called "Tsushima pearls" and are often pale pink or cream in color and of high quality.

Uwajima in Ehime Prefecture is characterized by its ria coastline with gentle waves. It has an annual pearl production of 4,400 kg, the second largest after Nagasaki, and is a representative producer of Akoya pearls. It is also a popular production area because it produces high-quality pearls in white and cream colors.

Mie Prefecture is third with an annual production of 2,800 kg, but it is also world-famous as a pearl producing region due to the Mikimoto pearl farm in Ise-Shima. Depending on the light, pale pink and green pearls are harvested, and their quality is so good that they are called "the best pearls in the world."

Additionally, Pearl Island, located in Toba Bay, is home to leisure facilities and museums run by Mikimoto, attracting many tourists.

Historical Background of Akoya Pearls

The history of Akoya pearls reached a turning point in 1893 when Mikimoto founder Kokichi Mikimoto became the first in the world to successfully cultivate them.

The probability of finding a natural Akoya pearl is less than 1 in every 1,000 oysters . Because of their rarity, they were traded at high prices and were only worn by the wealthy.

There was also concern over pearls due to the overfishing of shellfish for the purpose of harvesting pearls.

Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in cultivating semicircular pearls by artificially inserting nuclei into Akoya oysters, and later succeeded in cultivating abyss pearls and black lipped pearls.

Astonished by this remarkable achievement, people overseas suspected the pearls were fakes, and in 1921 the "Paris Pearl Trial" was held to determine their authenticity, but they were recognized as genuine.

This lawsuit led to the name of Mikimoto and the existence of cultured pearls spreading around the world, and the popularity of Akoya pearls also increased. The beautiful Akoya pearl accessories produced all over the world are only possible thanks to the activities of Mikimoto in Japan.

Today, cultivation methods are still evolving, and while it takes 10 years for natural Akoya pearls to form, it has been successfully shortened to just 1 to 3 years for cultured pearls.

The stone meaning of Akoya pearls

Akoya pearls have four stone words.

• health
• Harmonious
• longevity
• wealth

Natural Akoya pearls are gemstones that take a long time to appear. It has been believed that Akoya pearls, which have endured the dangers of the sea, are imbued with great power.

It is probably because of this background that it represents health and harmony.

It also has the meaning of "longevity, " as natural pearls take more than 10 years to grow into large pearls.

In addition, the formation of Akoya pearls requires multiple layers of nacre. The thickness of the nacre translates to hardness, which also translates to the meaning of "building solid wealth."

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What are the characteristics of Akoya pearls? Explained in 5 points

The beauty of Akoya pearls is evaluated based on five criteria.

• Nacre (thickness of nacre)
• Shine (gloss)
• Body color/Interference color)
• Size
• shape

Akoya pearls are evaluated by domestic pearl appraisal organizations based on the above five criteria.

By delving into the content of each item, the evaluation criteria for high-quality Akoya pearls will become clear. By reading to the end, you will be able to select even better quality Akoya pearls.

Nacre (thickness of nacre)

"Maki" is a term that refers to the thickness of the nacre. Akoya pearls have a soft, gentle luster because the nacre overlaps with any foreign matter that may have gotten into the oyster.

In cultured pearls, a foreign object called a "nucleus" is inserted by hand into an Akoya oyster, and the oyster is then left to form a nacreous layer for one to three years before being harvested from the sea.

Pearls with a thickness of 0.6 mm or more around the nucleus are called "thickly wound" and are characterized by a deep milky white luster. Most pearls have a thickness of 0.3 to 0.4 mm, while those with a thickness of 0.25 to 0.3 mm are called "thinly wound" and are considered to have a weak luster and lack appeal.

In addition to thickness, the following three points must be met for a high-quality roll :

• The high transparency of the nacre
• High nacre density
• The crystals are arranged in a regular pattern

In particular, transparency tends to be less achievable the thicker the nacre, and depending on the density of the nacre, thinner nacres may look more beautiful.

Shine (gloss)

"Luster" refers to the intensity of light reflected by a pearl. The stronger the luster, the more lustrous the pearl will be, so it is an important factor in determining the quality.

When light shines on a pearl, it is reflected within the many overlapping layers of nacre, and appears as a luster on the surface. The denser and more transparent the nacre is, and the more regular the crystals in the pearl are, the stronger the reflection will be, resulting in a beautiful light and a strong luster on the surface.

The quality of the luster is such that it is as if light is emanating from within the pearl and you can see your face reflected when you look into it.

Pearls with low luster have a dull, faint, flat shine and lack strength in luster. The beauty of the luster is influenced by the thickness and transparency of the luster, as well as the presence or absence of scratches and the shape of the pearl, and can only be achieved when many conditions are met.

Color (body color/interference color)

"True color" is the color that the pearl itself possesses, while "interference color" is the color that is created by the reflection of light.

Generally, Akoya pearls have a yellowish white or cream body color , and if foreign matter gets mixed in during the process of layering the nacre, a strong gray or blue color appears. Among them, some pearls with a white body color may take on a green tinge only when exposed to light, and are considered to be green-colored pearls.

There are three common types of pink Akoya pearls :

• Those with pink body color
• Things that look pink due to interference colors
• Enhancement is a process that involves toning the color.

Enhancement refers to processing to bring out the best in gemstones. It is a treatment used in the jewelry industry as a technique to maximize the beauty of gemstones.

The complex interplay of the pearl's body color and interference colors adds depth to its beauty, highlighting the pearl's unique character.

Size

The size of Akoya pearls is directly related to their impression, and is the personality that most strongly reflects the owner's preferences. The standard size of Akoya pearls is 7 to 8 mm, and this is the size of pearls that are most commonly distributed on the market.

The reason why most Akoya pearls are 7 to 8 mm in size is due to issues in the production process.

In the case of cultured pearls, the size of the pearl is determined by the size of the nucleus inserted into the oyster. To create a large pearl, a large nucleus is inserted, and to create a small pearl, a small nucleus is inserted.

Larger pearls command higher prices, but inserting a large nucleus places a great strain on the oyster, which can weaken it or cause it to die, so it requires great skill.

On the other hand, small pearls cannot be expected to fetch high prices, so the majority of domestically cultivated Akoya pearls are 7 to 8 mm in size. Pearls over 9 mm in size are particularly difficult to cultivate, and are considered rare and trade at high prices.

shape

Akoya pearls that are perfectly round are particularly valuable and are traded at high prices. However, pearls do not necessarily grow perfectly round during the process of forming the nacre, and they come in a variety of shapes.

The six most common shapes are:

• round
• Near Round
• Baroque
• Oval
• Button (shape)
• drop

"Near-round" pearls are those that are close to round but have some distortion. Pearls that are close to elliptical and have a difference in length and width are called "oval", and those that are deformed and severely distorted are called "baroque".

All of these have been considered low-value pearls in the past.

However, in recent years, its popularity has grown as it has been praised for being "reminiscent of natural pearls in its distortion" and "natural and casual," and it is now being used more frequently in accessories.

A "button" is a shape that resembles a sphere that has been crushed from above, and is a shape that is often used for earrings and brooches. A "drop", also often used for earrings, is a teardrop-shaped shape that can be traded at a higher price than a round.

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The difference between Akoya pearls and genuine pearls

Genuine pearls are a general term that refers to real pearls. Akoya pearls are one type of genuine pearl , and there are other types such as the following.

• South Sea Pearls
• Freshwater pearls
• Natural pearls
• Hanadama pearls

Even in the case of cultured pearls, if they are real pearls grown inside oysters, they are all considered to be a type of genuine pearl. Pearls that are artificially made by humans, such as made of glass or plastic, are considered imitation and are not included in the category of genuine pearls.

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How much are Akoya pearls worth? An explanation of the two grades

Akoya pearls that are of particularly high quality and are considered high grade are classified into two types .

• Hanadama pearls
• Aurora Hanadama Pearl

There is no standard grade for pearls like there is for diamonds, the 4Cs . Pearl grades are determined by the unique appraisal standards established by each appraisal agency.

In Japan, the Pearl General Research Institute and the Pearl Science Institute are reliable appraisal agencies. Identification certificates issued by any other agencies are considered to be of low reliability.

When purchasing, be sure to check that one of these organizations is listed.

In addition, while the Pearl General Research Institute uses its experts' knowledge to perform appraisals, the Pearl Science Institute uses scientific values ​​to perform appraisals, so appraisal results may differ even for the same pearl.

It is important to note that the appraisal results stated on the certificate indicate the quality of the pearl and do not measure its value.

Hanadama pearls

Hanadama pearls are Akoya pearls that meet the five criteria of luster, shine, blemishes, shape, and color at a high level and are certified as "Hanadama pearls" by an appraisal agency. Since ancient times, pearl farmers and related parties have called especially beautiful pearls harvested from beaches "Hanadama", and this tradition has become established as a ranking of pearls.

At the Pearl Research Institute, we place particular emphasis on three aspects: luster, shine, and blemishes, and also use the beauty of the necklace's connection as an evaluation criterion.

Source : Pearl Research Institute

The differences between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls are explained in detail in the article below, so please take a look.
Explaining the differences between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls in 4 points! Also introducing the market price and lifespan

Aurora Hanadama Pearl

Aurora Hanadama is the highest quality standard given by the Pearl Science Institute to Akoya pearls. Pearls that meet the criteria of 6mm or more in size and 0.4mm or more in thickness are given the name "Hanadama" based on the highest quality standards, with the interference color of the luster being given the most importance.

Furthermore, among Aurora Hanadama, those with a particularly beautiful shine are called "Aurora Tennyo" and are rated as even higher-ranking Akoya pearls. To be called Aurora Tennyo, a pearl must meet all the requirements for Aurora Hanadama, and when viewed with an Aurora Viewer, the Aurora effect must be visible.

Source : Pearl Science Institute

For more details, please see the article below.
What are Aurora Hanadama pearls? A thorough explanation of the difference between them and Tenjo pearls, the latest market price, and points to consider when purchasing.

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Types and prices of Akoya pearl jewelry

Here we will introduce the types of accessories that use Akoya pearls. There are four main types of accessories that use Akoya pearls:

• Necklaces & Pendants
• Rings
• Piercings
• brooch

The price of Akoya pearl accessories varies depending on the type of metal used for decoration and the brand rank.

By the end of this article, you will know the prices of Akoya pearl accessories and be able to find something that fits within your budget.

Necklaces & Pendants

The average prices for necklaces and pendants using Akoya pearls are as follows:

Necklaces using Akoya pearls and 18k white gold can be purchased for around 30,000 yen. If you want to save a little more, you can choose silver necklaces for around 10,000 yen.

Prices rise sharply for items using diamonds or single-strand pearl necklaces with many Akoya pearls. In particular, Mikimoto and TASAKI have a strong commitment to the quality of Akoya pearls and offer high-quality designs, so they have many expensive products.

Among accessories made with Akoya pearls, single-strand pearl necklaces are more popular because they can be worn for ceremonial occasions. A length of 40 to 45 cm is considered the most elegant, and pearls of 7 to 8 mm in size are often chosen for their subdued appearance.

If the size exceeds 1cm , the impression becomes more glamorous and it becomes suitable for use on happy occasions such as entrance ceremonies and weddings, but care should be taken as it is not suitable for eulogies.

Rings

The average prices for rings using Akoya pearls are as follows:

A simple design ring using only a single pearl can be purchased for as low as 14,000 yen. The larger the pearl, the more expensive it will be, and the more platinum the metal used, the higher the price tends to be.

Additionally, rings made of 18k yellow gold or pink gold stand out for their elegance and are popular with those who want to incorporate pearls into a casual look .

In recent years, fashion rings made of Akoya pearls have been gaining attention, especially among young women. MIKIMOTO and TASAKI are particularly popular, and rings made of strings of pearls and rings decorated with diamonds for a glamorous look are becoming popular.

There is also a lot of interest in larger 9mm pearls and rings made with strings of pearls, and they are popular among women as desirable rings.

Piercings

The average prices for earrings featuring Akoya pearls are as follows:

Simple earrings and pierced earrings made with Akoya pearls can be purchased for as little as 16,500 yen. Smaller pearls are inexpensive and easy to purchase, and are popular for earrings and pierced earrings that don't look too simple and add elegance.

Another reason why single pearl earrings and pierced earrings are so popular among women is that they can be easily worn with casual office wear.

Platinum is the most expensive metal. Platinum gives off a stylish impression, so if you want a softer look, 18k white gold is often chosen.

Yellow gold and pink gold are popular among women who value high fashionability. If you want to keep the price down, you can choose silver and purchase it for just a few thousand yen.

Related articles
Explaining the appeal of 18K Akoya pearl earrings! How to choose them, how to care for them, and points to note

brooch

The average prices for brooches using Akoya pearls are as follows:

Brooches made with Akoya pearls can be purchased for around 10,000 yen. Even high-end brands like Mikimoto and TASAKI have items for under 100,000 yen, making brooches one of the accessories where it is easy to choose one with excellent quality and design.

In recent years, brooches have become more popular for weddings and other celebratory occasions, as they are more luxurious than corsages. Those with pearls added to the jewels are often chosen, and designs that bring a calmness to the glittering look are popular.

If you want to keep the price down, choosing smaller pearls will be a reasonable purchase and will allow you to enjoy an elegant look.

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Where to buy Akoya pearls? Introducing recommended places and brands

We recommend purchasing Akoya pearl accessories from MIKIMOTO or TASAKI, which specialize in pearl jewelry. MIKIMOTO and TASAKI are brands that carry out all processes in-house, from cultivating Akoya pearls to processing them.

We have aquaculture facilities in Japan where professionals select the seedlings, insert the nuclei, and select them according to strict standards.

They have a reputation for the beauty and high quality of the pearls they handle, and are always striving to create modern designs, which is why they are popular with so many customers. They also stock affordable items that are easy to purchase, so they are recommended for those who are looking to buy pearl accessories for the first time.

Please refer to the following article for further details.
Where is the best place to buy pearls? A thorough explanation of 9 places to buy them and things to watch out for
Top 3 Japanese pearl brands! How to choose foreign brands and pearl jewelry explained

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Beware of imitation Akoya pearls! How can you spot a fake?

Akoya pearls are sold by various brands and shops, but there are also many unscrupulous places that introduce artificially made products such as plastic ones as Akoya pearls.

Fake Akoya pearls have the following three characteristics:

• The weight of the pearls is light
• The surface is smooth
• Shell pearl notation

Most Akoya pearls on the market are cultured. Cultured Akoya pearls use nuclei made from Mississippi mussels, and feel heavy when you hold them. Fake pearls are lighter and do not feel the weight that pearls have.

Another characteristic of fakes is that they have a smooth surface and lack a luxurious feel.

There are also "shell pearls" that are easily confused with real Akoya pearls. Shell pearls are artificial pearls that are made using shells as nuclei and are painted or otherwise processed.

They look similar to Akoya pearls, but since they are imitations, you should be careful of products labeled "shell pearls" or "shell pearls."

Related articles
What are artificial pearls? A thorough explanation of their history, appeal, and how to tell them apart from real pearls

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Basic care for Akoya pearls to make them last longer

Akoya pearls are prone to deterioration due to external environmental factors such as ultraviolet rays and humidity, as well as sweat and sebum when worn. In order to keep your pearls beautiful, it is necessary to do the following two things on a daily basis.

• Wipe off with a soft cloth after use
• Do not expose pearls to harsh environments.

Daily use of cosmetics, hair care products, perfume, etc. can cause Akoya pearls to discolor or fall off. It is important to incorporate the above two points of care into your daily routine and take good care of your pearls.

By the time you finish reading, you will understand how to care for your Akoya pearls.

Wipe off with a soft cloth after use

After using Akoya pearl accessories, it is necessary to wipe off sweat, sebum, and dirt with a soft cloth. If it is within the scope of everyday use, simply wiping it with a dry, soft cloth is sufficient.

On days when you sweat a lot, wipe each pearl one by one to remove any dirt.

Even if the pearls are very dirty, do not wash them with water, but gently wipe them off with a tightly wrung cloth. Holes are drilled into Akoya pearls during the processing stage, so if water gets in, the quality of the pearls inside may deteriorate.

Avoid rinsing with water, but instead wipe with a tightly wrung cloth.

When wiping pearls, it is important to use a soft cloth, such as a jewelry cloth . Tissues are not suitable for wiping pearls, as their fibers may scratch the surface of the pearl.

Do not expose pearls to harsh environments.

The main component of Akoya pearls is calcium carbonate. They are vulnerable to water, heat, and acid, so care must be taken when storing them.

Avoid storing it in humid places such as near the bathroom, and store it in an environment with a moderate humidity level. Excessive dryness can also have a negative effect, leading to problems such as cracks.

In addition, because it contains protein, it is vulnerable to high temperatures and ultraviolet rays, which can cause discoloration. It is essential to store it in a place that is not exposed to sunlight or fire.

Storing your pearls in a jewelry case will help protect them from everyday damage.

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The lifespan of Akoya pearls | How many years will they last with proper care?

If you continue to care for your Akoya pearls in the right way, they will remain beautiful for 20 to 30 years.

Akoya pearls are organic gemstones produced by living organisms, and as such change over time. Unlike inorganic gemstones such as diamonds, which have a high Mohs hardness and are resistant to deterioration, Akoya pearls will decay over time.

However, with daily maintenance it is possible to prevent deterioration and maintain the beauty of your pearls for a long time.

Higher grade Akoya pearls tend to last longer, and with proper daily care you can expect to maintain their beautiful appearance. Regular care at a specialist store and more detailed care are also key to extending their lifespan.

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Comparing Akoya pearls with other pearls

There are three types of genuine pearls, each with different characteristics and features from Akoya pearls .

• Black pearl
• White South Sea Pearl
• Freshwater pearls

Compared to Akoya pearls, the three pearls differ in color, size, and growth.

If you know the characteristics of the three types of pearls mentioned above , you will be able to better understand the characteristics of Akoya pearls and decide which one is better for you.

Black pearl

Akoya pearls are grown in Akoya oysters, while black-lipped pearls are harvested from black-lipped oysters. In Japan, pearl farming began in Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture in the 1910s .

Today it is mainly farmed in Tahiti.

Their body color is a mixture of red, blue, and yellow, and depending on the concentration, they can show interference colors of black, green, and brown. Peacock green black pearls are particularly valuable, and the beauty of the mixture of red and green depending on the light is a feature not found in other pearls.

They come in a huge variety of colors and are loved as unique pearls. They also come in large sizes over 10mm, which makes them different from Akoya pearls.

White South Sea Pearl

Akoya pearls are characterized by their soft white and cream colors, while South Sea pearls are brilliant pearls with gold and silver hues.

They are harvested from the white-lipped oyster (Scirocca oyster) and grown in the warm oceans of overseas countries such as Australia and Indonesia. Due to this characteristic, they are also called "South Sea pearls."

Another characteristic of South Sea pearls is that if the inside of the shell has a gold border, the pearl will be golden, and if the border is silver, the pearl will be silver. Gold-colored pearls in particular are called "golden pearls" and are highly valued for their rare beauty.

They are also larger than Akoya pearls, typically ranging from 8 to 13 mm, with the largest reaching 20 mm.

Related articles
What are golden South Sea pearls? Explaining their appeal, differences in color, and other recommended pearl colors

Freshwater pearls

While Akoya pearls are perfectly round, freshwater pearls come in a variety of shapes, mainly oval. Also, while Akoya pearls are harvested from Akoya oysters, freshwater pearls are harvested from Okecha oysters and do not require a nucleus for cultivation.

Since pearls of various sizes and shapes can be harvested from a single shell, they are characterized by the large number of "pearls with unique shapes," including baroque pearls.

In Japan, freshwater pearls are cultivated in Lake Biwa, but most of the freshwater pearls in circulation are produced in China.

Related articles
A thorough explanation of how to distinguish between freshwater pearls and Akoya pearls! We also introduce how to tell the difference between fakes and other pearls.

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Is Akoya pearls the best choice for buying pearls?

Akoya pearls are the best choice for your first pearl purchase. Akoya pearls can be worn for a variety of occasions, from formal occasions to everyday fashion.

Black-lipped and white-lipped pearls tend to come in many vibrant colors and are larger than Akoya pearls, making them unsuitable for formal occasions.

The elegant white and cream colors are suitable for everyone and add elegance to any outfit. For your first Akoya pearl, we recommend a size of around 7mm , which is easy to use.

Especially for women, if you have a single Akoya pearl necklace , you won't have any trouble choosing accessories for emergencies. For this reason, parents sometimes give them as gifts to commemorate coming of age.

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Four frequently asked questions about Akoya pearls

Below are four frequently asked questions about Akoya pearls.

• How much does one Akoya pearl cost?
• What is the price of an Akoya pearl necklace?
• Which is more luxurious, South Sea pearls or Akoya pearls?
• Why are Akoya pearls so expensive?

We have provided a detailed explanation of Akoya pearls, but many people still have questions.

Here we will introduce "frequently asked questions about Akoya pearls" and explain the questions about pearls along with the answers. By the end of the article, you will have a deeper understanding of Akoya pearls.

How much does one Akoya pearl cost?

The price of a single Akoya pearl is not disclosed, but the larger the size, the thicker the nacre, and the more beautiful the luster, the higher the rank and the higher the price that is traded.

In addition, MIKIMOTO and TASAKI cultivate their own pearls and carefully select the best quality ones to use in their jewelry, so the pearls they handle are generally of high quality and expensive.

What is the price of an Akoya pearl necklace?

There are two main types of Akoya pearl necklaces .

• One pearl necklace
• Strand of pearl necklace

The average price for a single Akoya pearl necklace ranges from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen depending on the size and luster. It also depends on the type of metal used for the chain. Generally, platinum chains are the most expensive, while silver chains are the least expensive.

Also, jewelry that is combined with other jewelry, including diamonds, will increase in price.

A single strand pearl necklace is typically 40-45cm long, and the price ranges from 50,000 yen to several million yen. Although it depends on the grade of the pearls, the most commonly purchased items are in the 100,000-300,000 yen range .

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

Comparing Akoya pearls to South Sea pearls, South Sea pearls are considered more luxurious. South Sea pearls are larger than Akoya pearls and are valued for their luxurious golden shine.

Golden pearls in particular are highly valued for their beauty, and due to their rarity, they tend to be traded at higher prices.

The price of Golden Pearl is explained in the article below, so please refer to it.
What is the market price for golden pearls? A comprehensive explanation from the prices of different brands and jewelry to the buying market

Why are Akoya pearls so expensive?

The price of Akoya pearls is on the rise for two reasons :

• Mass mortality of pearl oysters in 2019
• Increasing demand from overseas

In 2019 , a mass death of Akoya oysters was confirmed in Ehime Prefecture, the number one pearl producing prefecture in Japan. In 2022 , the cause was identified as a new infectious disease, but the impact of the temporary decline in production has not yet been fully recovered.

Another reason is that the demand for Akoya pearls continues to grow due to the attention they receive overseas. In 2011, exports reached 45.6 billion yen, ranking second only to scallops in the top spot .

Prices are expected to continue to rise due to rising overseas demand.

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Summary: Akoya pearls are Japan's most famous pearls! They are perfect for jewelry that will last a lifetime.

The soft shine of Akoya pearls makes them suitable for many occasions, including weddings, funerals, and other ceremonial occasions. Cheap ones can be purchased for around 10,000 yen, and if properly cared for, they can last a lifetime.

Among all the pearls in the world, Akoya pearls look great on the gentle-looking Japanese people and bring out their beauty. Another appeal of Akoya pearls is that their gentle beauty is suitable for people of all ages.

Check out the characteristics explained here and find the Akoya pearl that will last you a lifetime.

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