Akoya Saltwater Pearls
with the high-luster found on top-quality Akoya pearls and their relative rarity compared to
freshwater pearls give Akoya pearls both a higher perceived and actual value. Akoya pearls are
Akoya Pearls come from a small oyster known as the Pinctada fucata, or akoya. The saltwater
Pinctada fucata oyster lives along the coasts of Japan and China. A bead is surgically implanted
into the gonad of the oyster along with a small piece of mantle tissue. The oyster coats the
bead with layer upon layer of beautiful nacre. These relatively small pearls range from 2 to
10mm. Akoya pearls are best known for their aesthetic qualities. Unlike their freshwater
cousins, Akoya oysters rarely produce more than 2 pearls per harvest.

Texture & Luster
Akoya pearls have the highest luster.

Size
The Akoya oyster is the smallest commercially farmed, pearl-producing oyster. Because of
this, the pearls do tend to be small. An average Akoya pearl is only 7mm, while an average
South Sea pearl is in the 12mm range. Akoya pearls are currently being harvested in sizes
from as small as 1mm up to the very rare 10mm.

Shape
Akoya pearls are inherently round, although every harvest produces a percentage of baroque
and keshi pearls. These pearls tend to have the bright luster and shine common to the Akoya,
but a shape and look reminiscent of a freshwater.

Color
Akoya pearls, unless color-treated, have soft, neutral colors and overtones. Most pearls are
white to grey, with pink, green, or silver overtones. Akoya pearls are never naturally black,  
these pearls have undergone either a radiation treatment or dyeing.

Value
While the Akoya pearl is undoubtedly a more rare and valuable pearl than its freshwater pearl
cousin, it is only the third most valuable commercially produced pearl, falling behind South Sea
and Tahitians. Akoya pearls can be, however, extremely valuable, and it is common to find
top-quality Akoya pearl strands retailing for more than $10,000. This would be average for a
Tahitian strand and low for a South Sea, but much higher than any comparable freshwater
pearl necklace.