What are Akoya Pearls?
Pearls have been in existence for millions of years, long before the dinosaurs were walking the planet. About 6000 years ago the Egyptians were using mother of pearl in their jewelry, however it wasn’t until 500 B.C. that they discovered the beauty of the pearl. China on the other hand, recorded the use of pearls as far back as 2300 B.C. where it was exclusively used by royalty. Pearls are probably the only gemstone which does not require cutting and each one is totally unique. Although it is classified as a gemstone it is of course biologically produced by a mussel. These mussels can be found in fresh and saltwater. Akoya pearls are found in saltwaters and is the most popular pearl for jewelry. Japaneses pearl farms specialize in Akoya pearls and in the 1920’s they began farming them because the light colored pearls complimented their completion. Generally these pearls are combined with 18K gold fitting because of the high quality and price attached to akoya pearls. The Japanese now f
Akoya pearls were amongst the first pearls to be cultured in the early twentieth century. Today, Japanese pearl farmers nucleate their oysters with tiny round shell beads and the resulting pearl harvests are very clean. Generally akoyas are small, due to the size of the parent oyster (scientific name pinctada fucata)) but are valued for their high luster, bright white color and clean round uniform shape.
