Specifics About the Akoya Pearls

Large Akoya pearls with a deep beautiful luster are a rare find. Although somewhat similar to a freshwater pearl, an Akoya pearl is  generally bigger, smoother, rounder, and more lustrous. The size and lustrous quality make an Akoya pearl great for matching with multiple stranded necklaces and bracelets.

Pearl collectors and jewelry lovers may find quality Akoya cultured pearl jewelry pieces online. There are dazzling collections fashioned into stud earrings, regular fashion earrings, multiple strand necklaces, pendants, and bracelets. There are many Japanese pearl farms specializing in Akoya cultured pearl jewelry. The first batch of pearls cultured date back to the 1920s. To date, China has also become a quality  akoya pearl jewelry producer.

Japan and China are two countries where the smallest pearl-producing mollusk can be found. Akoya cultured pearls are usually white or cream in color, and with overtones of rose or silver.

Beautiful white or rose-colored Akoya pearls look great on fair-skinned individuals. High-quality Akoya pearl jewelry set with 18k gold materials, with little blemish and a deep, beautiful luster, are coveted items.

Classic pearl necklaces

In ancient times, when a woman owns a pearl necklace, she is considered to be a member of the affluent society. With the difficulty in finding uniform beads for the completion of the jewelry, a pearl necklace is nearly a shot to impossibility. Pearl enthusiasts in the past spend a fortune just to find the missing pearl pieces. With the rise of pearl farms however, a full string of pearls is now possible.

Cultured pearl necklaces make the matching easier. Not only do pearl farms make pearl making easier, they also make pearls more inexpensive. Pearl farmers select choice oysters in the production of the gem. The high quality oysters will be propagated by expert scientists. The process will produce baby oysters. These baby oysters will be submerged in water, either freshwater or saltwater depending on the oyster’s need, usually surrounded by coral reefs in a private area.

After the oysters have matured for pearl cultivation, scientists will plant the nucleus of the pearl one by one. This process is called nucleation. The scientists will wait for 1 to 2 years for the finished bead to be produced. The finished beads will then be graded according to its luster, nacre thickness, size, shape, and color. After grading, the uniform beads are grouped to make the cultured pearl necklaces. These cultured pearl necklaces are inexpensive compared to their natural counterparts. Certified jewelers know the real value of these treasures but a natural pear necklace looks just the same as a cultured one.

Tips to Choose Tahitian Pearl Necklaces

For pearl enthusiasts who have extreme fondness on dark colored pearl beads, a Tahitian pearl necklace is a likely choice. These naturally dark pearl beads are native to the island of Tahiti from its black-lipped oysters. Tahiti pearls are usually black, gray or greenish black. These pearl beads are perfect for Tahitian pearl necklace. Since common freshwater and saltwater oysters can’t normally produce dark tinted beads, Tahitian pearls are the sought after.

When buying Tahitian pearl necklace, check the thickness of its nacre. A good quality bead must have at least 0.88 mm nacre thickness. This is an important factor to consider in the purchase as thick nacres hold pearl luster for a long time.

An educated buyer will also check if the Tahitian pearl necklace has beads with good surface quality and smooth texture. A closer look at each bead will tell if the beads are free from flaws. The smoother beads’ surface means higher pearl quality.

In buying a pearl jewelry, a grade from a certified jeweler will help the buyer to pick up the best choice. Jewelers will grade a pearl either A, B, C or D. Pearls with grade A have almost flawless bead surface with uniform coloration minus spots and dents.

A high grade Tahitian pearl necklace must also have excellent brilliance grade. When they are subjected to light, they release a soft reflection of light like that of a mirror. Buyer should also consider the size and shape of the beads. A near perfect bead has no bumps and usually has oval size.