About Akoya Pearls
Akoya refers to pearls produced by the Japanese Akoya oyster (Pinctada Fucata martensii). Primarily cultivated in the ocean waters off the coasts of Japan and China, Akoya are the most famous of all pearl producing oysters. Akoya yield saltwater pearls that are known for their intense luster, beautiful color, stunning overtones and exquisite roundness. In each quality, the Akoya are superior to the freshwater pearl and therefore command much higher market values.
Because of the exquisite roundness and consistent color of the Akoya pearls, they are the most popular type of pearls for matching together to create beautiful necklaces and bracelets. While natural body colors include cream and white, natural overtones include green, yellow and rosˇ. As pearls with rosˇ overtones are the most rare, they are considered the most desirable and valuable.
Unlike freshwater pearls, the Akoya pearls are remarkably difficult to culture, which contributes to the powerful allure of this gem as well as its consistently high market value. While freshwater mollusks can be nucleated to harvest upwards of fifty pearls each, the Akoya oyster rarely produces more than two pearls with a higher mortality rate for the oyster itself. Additionally, the Akoya oyster is the smallest of all pearl producing oysters.
