AKOYA PEARLS

If you're looking for the classic set of pearls, look to Akoya cultured pearls. The Akoya is the most popular pearl, commonly seen in pearl strands and in earrings.

While industry wide there is no standardized grading for Akoya pearls, we ensure that each pearl meets our high quality standards.

Akoya pearls are the specialty of Japanese pearl farms. The first pearls to be cultured early in the 1920s, their white color and rosé overtone complement a fair complexion. Because Akoya pearls are high-quality pearls, you'll find them set with gold posts and clasps, and you'll find they are well matched for size, shape, and color. You'll also find few blemishes and a deep, beautiful luster.

You may notice that the Akoya looks very similar to the Freshwater pearl. When compared side-by-side, the difference is clear. Akoya pearls are on average larger, smoother, rounder, and more lustrous than Freshwater pearls. If you're looking for a remarkable gift, choose a gift of Akoya cultured pearl jewellery.

	Premier Akoya Cultured Pearls
LUSTRE	Very High - Extremely high reflections
SURFACE	Flawless to Very Slightly Spotted - Very, very few natural blemishes visible to the unaided eye
NACRE	Very Thick - Very deep nacre coating
SHAPE	Round - all pearls are round and symmetrical to the unaided eye
COLOUR	White - With rose' or silver overtones

	Classic Akoya Cultured Pearls
LUSTRE	High to Medium - Good, clear reflections
SURFACE	Very Slightly Spotted - Few visible blemishes on some pearls
NACRE	Medium - Medium nacre coating
SHAPE	Very Slightly Off Round - Some pearls may be slightly less round and symmetrical
COLOUR	White or Slightly Cream - With rose' overtones