About the Oysters

Akoya Oyster

The Akoya pearl is a Cultured Pearl from the Akoya Oyster.

Because Akoya Oysters are the most abundant type of cultured pearls, they also have the longest cultivated history.

Akoya Oysters are considered to be the most popular pearl used for necklaces and other pearl jewelry, with perfect round shapes, bright mirror like luster, and neutral colors.

Akoya Pearls are favored by most retailers and consumers as the most popular pearl choice. 

Akoya Oysters are nucleated with a bead composed of mother-of-pearl and small pieces of mantle tissue. This bead becomes the nucleus of the pearl and is the reason Akoya Pearls are more often perfectly round. 

This shape, combined with the high luster found on top quality Akoya Pearls, make them more valuable and favorable compared to freshwater pearls, and give Akoya Pearls a higher perceived value. 

Average size is 7mm. Harvested from as small as 1mm up to the very rare 10 to 11mm. 

Akoya Pearls are currently farmed in Japan.