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Each variety of pearl available today depends on the type of oyster that produced them, the physical environment in which they live, and varying cultivation techniques used by the producers. These factors affect a pearl luster, shape, radiant color, and overall value.
There is a pearl for every age, every occasion, every personal style, and every budget. With endless possibilities, knowing where to begin can be overwhelming. The key to finding your perfect pearl is knowing what types are available, how they compare to each other, and how to recognize quality differences.
Akoya pearls are produced by the saltwater Akoya Oyster, the smallest pearl producer in the oyster family. Depending on the size of the oyster, pearl size varies between 2-10mm. The range of colors of these pearls include white, cream, pink, blue, green, silver, and gold.
Originally cultivated in Japan, the finest Akoya pearls are more perfectly round than most other pearls and are known for their high luster and rich color. Unfortunately, for those who have a preference for larger pearls, they rarely exceed 10mm and when they do are exceptionally expensive. In addition to Japan, China is now a major producer of Akoya pearls.
The fascinating story of the cultured Akoya Pearl traced back in the late 1800s when Kokichi Mikimoto began to experiment with pearl cultivation. In 1893 Mikimoto introduced the first pearl ever cultured pearl by man and by 1905, after 12 years of tireless research, he mastered the art by successfully culturing a pearl with a perfectly round shape. To produce an Akoya Pearl, a nucleus bead is surgically implanted in the body of the oyster. This bead is then coated with layers upon layers of nacre. The ideal water temperature is preferably near 20 Celsius, which allows the slower formation of quality nacre. This condition along with the compacting of aragonite crystals found in the water during seasonal changes provides for the exceptionally beautiful Akoya Pearl luster.
Inspired by the work of Mikimoto, the pearl strand industry today is intimately associated with Japan. The largest habitat in the world for Akoya oysters covers half of the sea around southern Japan. In the last 100 years, Japanese pearl strand farmers have continued to refine their techniques and have made pearl production an art. Their attention to detail has resulted in the most beautiful Akoya Pearls in the world.