What are Hanadama pearls? A thorough explanation of evaluation criteria, definitions, and how to choose them

Hanadama pearls are the name given to Akoya pearls that meet certain quality standards. Hanadama pearls, which are thick and have a beautiful luster, are considered to be of particularly high quality among Akoya pearls and have been traded at high prices.

However, there are no global evaluation standards for Hanadama pearls, and their evaluation depends on the standards of each appraisal agency. The current standards for evaluating Hanadama pearls are somewhat ambiguous.

For this reason, you need to learn about the appeal and evaluation criteria of Hanadama pearls before purchasing them.

In this article, you will find out:

• What are Hanadama pearls?
• Five standards for evaluating the quality of Hanadama pearls
• How to choose Hanadama pearls

If you watch until the end, you will gain more knowledge about Hanadama pearls and be able to make the right pearl choices.

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What is Hanadama Pearl? It is a title given to high-quality Akoya pearls that meet certain standards.

The characteristics and history of Hanadama pearls are explained in the following two points.

• The origin of "Hanadama"
• Definition of Hanadama pearls

Hanadama pearls refer to the grade of pearls, not the name. The reason why high-grade Akoya pearls are called Hanadama pearls is related to the history of pearls.

Also, since there is ambiguity in the definition, it is important to understand the problems with the evaluation criteria.

If you watch until the end, you will gain a deeper understanding of how Akoya pearls were transformed into Hanadama pearls and the evaluation criteria.

The origin of "Hanadama"

The name Hanadama pearls comes from the word "hanatama" used by pearl farmers in the past. Among the farmers, the most beautiful pearls harvested from the beach were called "hanatama."

Pearls that were beautifully round, flawless and lustrous were given special treatment.

In Mie Prefecture, the word "Hatadama" means "the first to catch a fish." It is possible that the meaning of "hana" (fishing flower) became "top-class pearls" and eventually evolved into "hanadama."

In any case, the name "hanadama" has existed for a long time.

The term "hanadama" was first used to rank Akoya pearls in the 1990s . Nowadays, "high-ranking pearls that meet certain standards" are called hanadama and are listed by the appraisal center.

Definition of Hanadama pearls

Hanadama pearls refer to high-quality Akoya pearls, but the definition is still unclear. Previously, pearls were judged to be Hanadama by eye , but the situation changed in the 1990s when pearl appraisal organizations were established.

Appraisal agencies have designated the grade of pearls that indicate to consumers that they are high quality pearls as "Hanadama." They have established their own evaluation criteria and have given the rank of "Hanadama" to pearls that meet a certain level.

However, there are multiple pearl appraisal agencies and their assessment standards are different, so it is not rare that one agency may classify a pearl as Hanadama while another agency may not.

Also, depending on the appraisal agency, there are pearls that are rated higher than Hanadama, so Hanadama is not necessarily the highest rank.

For the reasons mentioned above, in order to purchase high-quality Hanadama pearls, it is essential to have an appraisal certificate from a reliable appraisal agency.

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Five criteria for judging the quality of Hanadama pearls

The quality of Hanadama pearls is judged based on the following five criteria:

• Rolling
• Shine
• shape
• Scratches
• Related

Those that meet certain standards in the above five items are judged to be "Hanadama".

Here, we will explain in detail the five evaluation criteria. By the time you finish reading, you will have a good understanding of the evaluation criteria for Hanadama pearls and will have a deeper understanding of pearls.

Rolling

The luster of Hanadama pearls is generally considered to be 0.4mm or more. The pearl appraisal organization, the Pearl Science Institute, has determined that the luster of Hanadama pearls must be 0.4mm or more .

The Pearl Research Institute rates the luster of pearls on a 5- point scale, and classifies pearls as Hanadama pearls if their nacre is thick or appears thick.

"Lumpiness" refers to the thickness of the nacre, and is important in determining the beauty of each individual pearl. The nacre is formed around the nucleus, and the thicker the luster, the more complex the reflection and refraction become, resulting in a beautiful interference color (luster).

The thicker the winding, the more durable it is said to be, so the thickness of the winding is also important in terms of lifespan.

Shine

When evaluating Hanadama pearls, the most important thing is their "luster." At the Pearl Science Institute , we evaluate pearls by placing the greatest importance on their "luster," which refers to their brightness and luster, and the "interference colors" that are created by the reflection and refraction of light.

A high-quality pearl will reflect any object you look at sharply and without distortion. It will shine as if it is emitting light from within the pearl, and the light will have depth.

There is a close relationship between luster and shine, and generally the thicker the luster, the better the shine. The Pearl Research Institute classifies the shine of Hanadama pearls as "strong pearl luster."

shape

The difference between Hanadama pearls and Akoya pearls can also be judged by their shape. Hanadama pearls must be close to round (perfectly circular).

The standard for roundness varies depending on the pearl appraisal institution, and each institution sets its own standards to judge the beauty of the pearl. The more uniform the luster, the closer to a perfect circle the pearl will grow, so the formation of a beautiful luster is important.

It is difficult for pearls to be perfectly round, and many have small or large distortions. For this reason, the closer to round a pearl is, the higher its quality is, and the more highly rated it is.

Scratches

The presence or absence of scratches also affects the evaluation of Hanadama pearls. Scratches and dents that appear during the formation process are called "dimples," and the fewer dimples a pearl has, the better its quality.

However, dimple-free pearls do not exist in nature, and all pearls have some dimples.

The criteria for judging dimples vary depending on the appraisal agency, but they do not assume that the pearls are flawless. Appraisals will state "slight" or "no damage or small scratches," and even minute scratches will be judged to be Hanadama pearls by appraisal agencies.

Related

The beauty of the "renso" is important for a Hanadama pearl necklace. A single strand of pearls is called a "ren" and the uniformity of the sizes of the pearls is called "sou".

The more uniform the size and the closer the quality of the individuals, the better the interphase.

No two pearls are the same, and there are subtle differences in color, shape, size, luster, etc. It takes skill to select pearls and arrange them in harmony with the whole.

A necklace that contains harmonious Hanadama pearls of the same quality and size will be more highly rated.

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Grades and differences other than Hanadama pearls

In addition to flower ball pearls, there are two other types of high-quality grade pearls:

• Aurora Hanadama Pearl
• Aurora Angel Pearl

The two grades mentioned above are assessed and ranked by the Pearl Science Institute , a pearl appraisal agency . Whichever rank a pearl falls into can be used as an indicator of its grade.

Here we will explain the two grades in detail. By the time you finish reading, you will have a deeper understanding of the ranks of high-quality pearls.

Aurora Hanadama Pearl

Aurora Hanadama Pearls are a grade of pearl that meets the following five criteria and also exhibits the "Aurora effect."

• Winding is 0.4mm or more
• Size is 6mm or more
• The shape is close to round
• The scratches are "minor"
• The luster and interference color must be above the standard level.

The aurora effect is a phenomenon in which a rainbow-like color tone appears on the lower hemisphere of a pearl. It was discovered independently by the Pearl Science Institute and is used to identify high-quality pearls.

The light is strong and each piece seems to glow.

Please refer to the following article for further details.
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.

Aurora Angel Pearl

Pearls that meet the standards for Aurora Hanadama pearls and have an even more beautiful shine are ranked as "Aurora Tennyo pearls. " The "luster" of Aurora Tennyo pearls is evaluated according to the following four criteria.

• The color of the light is pink or green.
• Vividness (saturation)
• Brightness (luminosity)
• Color, saturation, and brightness all exceed certain standards

Aurora Tennyo pearls are pearls that have been rated 90 or higher (up to a maximum of 100) according to the standards of the Pearl Science Institute . In addition, they are carefully selected for surface smoothness and flaws, and certified by experienced inspectors.

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Two highly reliable institutions for identifying Hanadama pearls

Hanadama pearls are primarily appraised by the following two pearl appraisal institutions.

• Pearl Science Institute
• Pearl Research Institute

There are several pearl appraisal agencies in Japan, but the reliability of appraisal agencies other than the two mentioned above is not guaranteed. When purchasing pearls, make sure that one of the appraisal agencies is included.

Here we will explain the identification methods used by the " Pearl Science Institute " and the "Pearl General Research Institute." If you read to the end, you will understand the differences.

Pearl Science Institute

The Pearl Science Institute is a long-established appraisal institute with over 30 years of history in Japan. The history of pearl appraisal in Japan began with Hiroshi Komatsu, the founder of the Pearl Science Institute .

Among Mr. Komatsu's achievements are the establishment of the world's first method for identifying black pearls and the discovery of the aurora effect in pearls. Due to his track record of contributing to the development of pearls in Japan, the appraisals of the Pearl Science Institute are highly reliable.

The appraisal at the Pearl Science Institute is based on quantifying each individual pearl . We have our own appraisal criteria and rank each individual pearl based on its numerical value.

The ranking is quantified, so even third parties can easily understand the background of the ranking. In addition to issuing pearl identification certificates, the company also engages in a wide range of activities, such as dry cleaning and archaeological excavation.

Pearl Research Institute

Another inspection organization that identifies Hanadama pearls is the Pearl Research Institute . The Pearl Research Institute performs appraisals based on the former Cultured Pearl Business Law.

The Cultured Pearl Business Law, which arose as a result of the development of pearls, was abolished in 1998. However, in order to maintain the inspection system for the pearl industry, the Pearl Research Institute was established in 1998.

The main method of appraisal used by the Pearl Research Institute is visual evaluation. Particular emphasis is placed on visual inspection under natural light, with a strict professional evaluation of the luster, color, and other aspects.

In order to maintain the skills of our inspectors, we train them in judging color tone using inspection machines and maintain a high level of identification. Along with the Pearl Science Institute , we are one of the most reliable inspection institutes in Japan.

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Explaining how to choose Hanadama pearls! What to look for when purchasing?

There are three things to look out for when purchasing Hanadama pearls :

• color
• Size
• Necklace Length

When purchasing Hanadama pearls, it is important to understand the three points mentioned above.

Here, we will delve into these three points and explain the key points to check. By the time you read to the end, you will have a good understanding of how to choose Hanadama pearls.

color

The colours of Hanadama pearls are divided into the following two categories:

• Toning
• No toning

It is important to note that even pieces of the same color can come in tinted and untinted varieties, and their value differs.

Here, we will delve into the characteristics of color-matching and non-color-matching Hanadama pearls and provide a detailed explanation. By the end of this article, you will be able to understand the mechanisms of color-matching and non-color-matching, which are directly linked to the value of each pearl.

Toning

"Color matching" for Hanadama pearls refers to the artificial dyeing process. It is a processing technique that has been used since ancient times to enhance the color and brilliance of pearls.

Color matching is not considered a malicious technique, but has been valued as an enhancement to improve the beauty of pearls. Color matching became a problem because of the excessive color matching seen in the past.

Today, more natural pearls are preferred, and artificial enhancements are no longer used. Most pink pearls are toned, and the strength of the color is immediately noticeable.

There are also untoned pinks, but they have a subtle, natural color and look white. It's easy to tell the difference between toned and untoned pinks at a glance, but be sure to check the product details before purchasing.

Generally, pearls that have been color-treated are less valuable and more affordable.

No toning

Hanadama pearls that have no color added to them are called "uncolored." In recent years, the beauty of pearls' natural colors has come to be appreciated, and more and more people are seeking uncolored pearls.

Many luxury brands are committed to using no coloring, and value the individuality of pearls.

The disadvantage of uncolored pearls is that they are expensive. Because pearls grow in nature, they have a mixture of various colors.

It is rare to find a stone that shows its beauty without color-matching, and this increases its value and price. Also, since the color of the stone is not adjusted, advanced techniques are required to balance the inter-phase.

However, untoned pearls are more resistant to aging and are less susceptible to fading and other changes over time. They will retain their beauty for a long time, and if properly cared for, can be used for decades.

Size

To be certified as a Hanadama pearl, the pearl must be at least 6mm in size (Pearl Science Institute standard). Most Akoya pearls are 7-8mm in size , so the standard is not as strict.

Since pearl identification places emphasis on luster and shape, even small pearls may be judged to be Hanadama pearls.

The size of the individual is directly related to its appearance. Generally, the older an individual is, the more they prefer larger sizes and tend to avoid smaller ones. If you plan to use it for a long time, choose individuals that are 8 to 9 mm in size.

In particular, 9mm pearls have a sense of volume and have the effect of brightening up the face. Many people reconsider the size of pearls they want to buy in middle age and older, and consider upgrading to a larger pearl.

It is important to choose a size that takes future use into consideration.

Necklace Length

The average length of a necklace using Hanadama pearls is 42 to 43 cm . Since the thickness of the neck varies from person to person, try it on to choose the length that suits you.

Necklaces for formal occasions should be long enough to reach the collarbone . Long necklaces give a casual impression and are not suitable for formal occasions.

Be careful with short necklaces as they can look too tight and not show off the beauty of the pearls.

When choosing the length of a necklace, it is important to consider the balance with your height and body type. For tall or plump people, we recommend a necklace that is 45cm or longer.

On the other hand, if you are short or slender, choose a shorter necklace. A necklace around 40cm will blend in well with your figure.

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[By Jewelry] Price range of Hanadama pearls

 The price range for Hanadama pearls varies depending on the type of accessory. Below are the price ranges for the following three types of accessories.

• necklace
• Rings
• Piercings

By reading to the end, you will understand the market price of accessories featuring Hanadama pearls, which will be useful when making a purchase.

necklace

The average price range for necklaces using Hanadama pearls is as follows:

Since necklaces are made up of many pieces, the price is on the rise. The most expensive ones are close to 1 million yen, but you can buy them for around 200,000 yen , so you can choose according to your budget.

The appropriate size for ceremonial occasions is 7 to 8 mm, but many people choose 9 mm for long-term use. For condolences, a more modest size is preferred, but many people also use the 9 mm size.

After the age of 40, larger pearls become more familiar to you, and you can wear larger pieces without feeling uncomfortable.

Rings

The average price range for rings using Hanadama pearls is as follows:

Many rings feature a single Hanadama pearl and can be purchased at a reasonable price. It is easy to choose a large pearl, but you should consider the balance between the pearl and the thickness of your finger.

If you have plump fingers, choose larger pearls, and if you have delicate fingers, choose smaller pearls to highlight the beauty of your hands.

Choosing a ring can be difficult, and even if you choose one that you like the look of, the impression you get when you wear it can change. If possible, we recommend visiting a physical store and trying it on to check the thickness and other aspects before purchasing.

Piercings

The prices for earrings adorned with Hanadama pearls are as follows:

Earrings and pierced earrings made with Hanadama pearls are also available for purchase at a relatively low price. Because earrings and pierced earrings are accessories that are close to the face, the bright saturation of Hanadama pearls has the effect of making the skin look brighter.

For formal occasions, choose one with a single pearl. The simple design can be worn in any situation and is versatile.

The design adorned with diamonds adds an elegant sparkle and glamour, making it perfect for parties .

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Where should I buy Hanadama pearls? Explaining the recommended places to buy them

It is advisable to check the product in a physical store before purchasing Hanadama pearl accessories. The beauty of the luster and interference colors of Hanadama pearls can only be fully appreciated by seeing them in person.

Also, since it is important for pearls to match your skin and body shape, it is important to try them on in person.

However, there are only a limited number of physical stores where you can check out the products, so if you want to increase your options, you should consider online shops. When using online shopping, you should carefully check the product information and whether or not it has an appraisal center.

It is also important to check the company information and make sure it is a trustworthy shop.

Please refer to the following article for information on where to purchase pearls.
Where is the best place to buy pearls? A thorough explanation of 9 places to buy them and things to watch out for

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Hanadama pearls are not necessarily the "highest quality"? 3 reasons explained

Even if a pearl is called Hanadama pearl, it does not necessarily mean that it is the highest quality pearl. There is currently ambiguity in the evaluation of pearls for the following three reasons.

• There is no absolute rating for pearl quality.
• Evaluation criteria vary by institution
• No famous pearl brand carries Hanadama pearls

We will now delve into these three points in more detail, and by the end you will have a better understanding of what makes pearl valuation so difficult.

There is no absolute rating for pearl quality.

There are no international standards for the quality of pearls, including Hanadama pearls. For diamonds, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has established the 4C evaluation standard, and the appraisal certificate lists the rank of the four items.

However, there is no absolute evaluation for pearls, and each appraisal agency has different evaluation standards. For this reason, importance is placed on an appraisal certificate from a highly reliable appraisal agency.

In Japan, there are two reliable appraisal agencies: the Pearl Science Institute and the Pearl General Research Institute . Make sure that your certificate is accompanied by one of these appraisal agencies.

Evaluation criteria vary by institution

There are multiple pearl appraisal institutes in Japan, including Hanadama pearls. Each appraisal institute has its own evaluation standards, so appraisal results may differ.

A pearl that is rated as a Hanadama by one institute may be deemed as a Hanadama-Otoko by another institute. Also, since there is no international evaluation standard, any Akoya pearl can be called a Hanadama pearl.

To select high-quality pearls, it is important to choose a reliable appraisal agency .

Be sure to check that the appraisal was done by the "Pearl Science Institute" or the "Pearl General Research Institute ." The appraisal laboratories of these two organizations are officially recognized as reliable.

No famous pearl brand carries Hanadama pearls

Hanadama pearls are not sold by leading luxury pearl brands such as "Mikimoto" and "TASAKI." These two brands do everything from culturing to processing and sales in-house.

If Hanadama pearls were a sign of high quality, then companies would have their own pearls appraised and sell Hanadama pearls with appraisal certificates. The fact that major pearl brands do not handle Hanadama pearls leads to a lack of credibility.

On the other hand, there are good quality Akoya pearls that are not Hanadama pearls. It is important not to be fooled by the name "Hanadama pearls" alone.

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Three frequently asked questions about Hanadama pearls

Below are three frequently asked questions about Hanadama pearls .

• Can Hanadama pearls be used for funerals?
• What is the difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls?
• What is the most precious pearl?

We have explored the appeal and basic information about Hanadama pearls, but some of you may still have questions that need answers.

Let's explain the questions that many people have along with the answers.

Can Hanadama pearls be used for funerals?

Hanadama pearls can also be used for funerals. Hanadama pearls can be worn for ceremonial occasions without any problems, and will radiate a modest radiance in any situation.

There are many types of pearls, including freshwater pearls, that have a pink tinge. Hanadama pearls have a white luster and are therefore considered more suitable for funerals.

Because the white is strong, even large beads of about 10 mm do not look too gaudy.

What is the difference between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls?

Among Akoya pearls, particularly high-quality pearls are called "Hanadama pearls." The Pearl Science Institute defines the conditions for a Hanadama pearl as follows:

• Size is 6mm or more
• The winding is 0.4 mm or more.
• The shape must be "round" as determined by the institution.
• The scratches are "slight" according to the agency's standards.
• Lighting is paramount

The beauty of a pearl's luster is proportional to the thickness of its coils; the thicker the coils, the more beautiful the shine. Hanadama pearls have a particularly strong luster, and emit a light that seems to glow from within.

Another requirement for Hanadama pearls is that they be white in color.

Please refer to the following article for further details.
Explaining the differences between Akoya pearls and Hanadama pearls in 4 points! Also introducing the market price and lifespan

What is the most precious pearl?

There are other high-quality pearls besides Hanadama pearls, but it is difficult to say which is the best, as it depends on the quality and price.

When it comes to domestic pearls, Mikimoto is the representative of high-quality pearls. Mikimoto has its own pearl farms and produces pearls under strict management.

We have strict quality standards for pearls, and only select pearls that are of the highest quality in terms of luster, size, color, and shape. We also produce our own jewelry, with a wide variety of designs that bring out the beauty of pearls.

Natural pearls that are not cultured are also traded at high prices. Natural pearls are not available on the market due to their rarity.

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Summary: Hanadama pearls are a title given only to high-quality Akoya pearls!

Hanadama pearls are the name given to carefully selected, high-quality Akoya pearls. They are characterized by their white color with a green interference color and powerful shine.

However, since there is no absolute rating for pearls, please be aware that the ratings vary depending on the appraisal agency. The highly reliable "Pearl Science Institute" and "Pearl General Research Institute" appraisal certificates are officially highly reliable.

In addition to pearls labeled as Hanadama pearls, there are many other high-quality pearls on the market. Don't get too caught up in the name, just experience the pearls at many shops and enjoy choosing your pearl.

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