Akoya Farming
Like most pearls used in modern jewelry, Akoya pearls are harvested from specialty farms. They are "bead nucleated," which means a small bead of polished shell material is surgically inserted into the oyster, triggering the culture process to begin. This round nucleus makes them perfectly uniform when they emerge one to two years later. The saltwater oysters used for Akoya pearl farming can only nurture one to two pearls at a time, making Akoya pearls a rarer, more sought-after variety. As the nucleus matures and grows thicker nacre layers, it becomes stronger and develops a signature white luster that makes these ideal for jewelry. Limitations and long harvesting time, however, can attribute to the higher price point of this particular type.
Akoya Appearance and Rarity
Akoya pearls are one of the most uniform varieties of cultured pearls. They are often called "eight-way rollers" because they roll evenly in all directions when placed on a flat surface, whereas less perfectly shaped pearls tend to create a curved path. In addition to their ideal shape, Akoyas are also highly reflective due to their superb luster and shine. Even with their soft overtones, these pearls have a beautiful mirror-like glow that makes them glimmer in the sunlight.
Akoyas are typically smaller than other types of pearls, averaging around 7mm in diameter. They can be harvested between 1-12mm, but these sizes are rare and do not reflect the classic look that Akoya pearl jewelry collectors seek. Even so, Akoyas are still much smaller than freshwater or South Sea pearls, which average around 12mm in diameter or larger, making them an excellent choice for a more refined necklace.
Akoya pearls are almost always naturally white with silver, green or pink overtones. In rare circumstances, they can appear blue, but never black like Tahitian pearls.
Akoya Pearl Jewelry
There are many reasons why Akoya pearls are such a classic choice in jewelry-making around the world. From across the room, these beautiful gems from nature will catch the eye with their high shine and perfectly round shape. Akoya pearl necklaces and other jewelry evoke a spirit of femininity and elegance, making the women who wear them feel graceful and sophisticated. For this reason and many others, pearls remain a popular traditional piece for mothers to gift or pass down to their daughters.
Pearl jewelry making is also a more environmentally friendly process compared to those that use other gemstones. Rather than mining the earth to harvest pearls, they are sustainably farmed in areas where oysters are already commonly present. The oysters are then used for food, and the shells are ground into "mother-of-pearl," or the material used to make new ones. While pearl farming is expensive, it is uniquely sustainable in the jewelry industry and produces some of the most beautiful pieces available.
Our collection includes one-of-a-kind stud earring designs, pendants, strand necklaces, and tennis bracelets for every occasion. You're sure to find the right piece of Akoya pearl jewelry for you—one that will become a favorite in your collection for years to come.
Care and Storing of Your Akoya Pearl Jewelry
Because Akoya pearls are so valuable, it's essential to take care of them throughout their lifetime. If they are appropriately cared for, they will become a beautiful heirloom for you to pass on to children, grandchildren and other family members alike. Akoya pearls should be carefully cleaned with a damp cloth using water and mild soap after exposure to oils, perfumes or other chemicals in the air. To keep the integrity of the string used on your pearl strands intact, you should never submerge your pearls directly into any liquid cleaning solution. Akoya pearls are not suitable for ultrasonic cleaners. You should also store them in a proper jewelry box to limit sun exposure that can cause brittleness over time.
