What is the difference between Akoya and South Sea pearl?

South Sea Pearls of 9.5 – 10.5 mm sizes are more common. But the smaller Akoya oyster has a hard time producing a pearl as large as 9.5 – 10.5 mm, making these pearls much rarer, hence the higher price. Akoya Pearls are preferred for someone wanting a bright white/pink lustrous strand in this “overlap” size range.

What is the difference of South Sea pearl and Akoya pearl?

The average nacre of an Akoya pearl is between 0.35mm to 0.7mm, whereas the nacre of a South Sea pearl measures 2mm to 6mm. This unusual thickness is what gives the South Sea pearl a unique sheen that is often perceived to be soft and captivating.

Are South Sea pearls the best?

Fine South Sea Pearls are the superlative pearls, the crème de la crème of pearls, the most coveted and sought-after of all cultivated pearls in the world. They are unique in that they exhibit very high levels of each of the value factors – size, shape, luster/nacre thickness, surface cleanliness and rarity.

Why are South Sea pearls the best?

South Sea pearls are generally much larger than other pearl types and have a unique luster quality – a soft reflection due to the large aragonite platelets that make up the pearl. They also have the thickest average nacre of all cultured pearls. These factors make South Seas both distinctive and valuable.

Are Akoya pearls worth anything?

It is still common to find top-quality akoya pearl strands retailing for more than $10,000, however. This would be average for a Tahitian strand and low for a South Sea, but much higher than a comparable freshwater pearl necklace.

Freshwater Pearls vs Sea Pearls (Akoya Pearls)

How do you tell if you have Akoya pearls?

For Akoya pearls, you'll mainly notice pin prick blemishes, lighter or darker areas of organic conchiolin build up visible just under the surface crystal, and small, white wrinkles in the surface nacre. Freshwater Pearl Inclusions are mostly dull white "chalky spots" and subtle ridges on the pearl surfaces.

What is special about Akoya pearls?

The Akoya pearl is known for its superb luster and its perfectly round shape. Akoyas also have a beautiful color consistency, making them often the pearl of choice for a woman's first strand of pearls.

What is the best color of South Sea pearl?

The overall value of these pearls is higher than akoya or Tahitian, and very comparable to white South Sea pearls. The deepest golden color, often referred to as 24 karat, is considered the most valuable color of all South Sea pearls.

What is the highest quality pearl?

Do South Sea pearls have flaws?

Damaging and Non-Damaging Blemishes

It's important to remember that some blemishes won't detract from the beauty or value of a pearl, and this is particularly true with South Sea pearls. That's because it takes these pearls 2 to 3 years to develop, and flawless or slightly flawed South Sea pearls are extremely rare.

How can you tell real South Sea pearl?

How To Identify South Sea Pearls. The main identifier for South Sea pearls is their size. They are larger than any other pearls because they are grown in the largest genus of oyster, the Pinctada Maxima. Their size usually ranges from 8-20mm, although they can grow much larger if they are given more time.

Which pearl is more expensive?

South Sea pearls are considered the most valuable. They are also the largest pearl variety on the market. A strand of South Sea pearls can range from $1,000 to over $100,000.

How can you tell a real South Sea pearl?

White and Golden South Sea pearls are known to have the thickest nacre layers of all cultured saltwater pearl types, averaging between 2.0-4.0mm thick, or more. Almost universally described by pearlers as “satiny” in look, the South Sea pearl's luster is softer in appearance than that of the Japanese Akoya Pearls.

Which is more expensive Akoya pearl or South Sea pearl?

SHAPE – Round, Off Round, Baroque

Fine South Sea Baroque Pearls are much more valuable and desirable than Baroque Akoya Pearls.

Are Akoya pearls South Sea?

Akoya Pearls are cultured in southwestern Japan and China and range in color from pinkish white to creamy shades and silvery blue. This Akoya oyster typically produces smaller pearls, ranging between 2 to 10 mm, but don't let the size fool you; these pearls are highly prized for their rich colors and stunning luster.

Which water pearl oyster produce good quality of pearls?

The High quality pearls are generally obtained from pearl oysters of Genus Pinctada that are cultured in the salinity range of oceans. The various species of Pinctada produce different sizes and colors of pearls, varying on the size of the species and the natural color of the nacre inside the shell.

Are Akoya pearls better than freshwater?

When compared to other varieties, such as Tahitian and South Sea, Akoya pearls definitely offer good value for money without compromising on beauty. Freshwater pearls lack the deep, beautiful gleam of an Akoya. However, the palette of colors and attractive pricing makes them a great option for many people.

How can you tell good quality pearls?

The Tooth Test: Simply rub the pearl against your tooth, softly. If the pearl is natural or cultured, you will feel the surface as gritty. If the pearl is a faux gem, then the surface will feel smooth. FACT: While observing pearls under a magnifier, specialists can easily tell whether they are a fake or a real gem.

Where do South Sea pearls come from?

SOUTH SEA PEARLS – Australia and the “South Seas”

Assael's South Sea White Cultured Pearls are known for their extraordinary size and satiny luster, and they originate in Australia.

What is the rarest pearl color?

Naturally colored blue pearls are the rarest pearl colors in the world (with one or two exceptions, which we will get to below). The color has existed in pearls for decades, but only recently have naturally colored blue pearls gained popularity in the modern pearl jewelry markets.

Are South Sea and Tahitian pearls the same?

South Sea pearls are naturally delicate pastel in hue and color. They range from being soft white to creamy champagne and pink. Tahitian pearls, on the different side of the spectrum, are bold and dramatic, since the natural color is black.

Can you shower with Akoya pearls?

While there's some truth to this, it's an oversimplification. Pearls can get wet — after all, they were “born” under water! Water will not hurt your pearls. However, there are two risks when it comes to wearing your akoya pearl jewelry in the shower.

How do you pick Akoya pearls?

The most popular Akoya pearl necklace size range starts at 7.0-7.5mm up through 8.0-8.5mm. This size range is considered the most popular and versatile for all occasions and builds. For young girls and "first pearls" necklaces, we recommend the smaller sizes of 6.0-6.5mm and 6.5-7.0mm.

What does the name Akoya mean?

The Japanese term for natural or cultured pearls that come from the akoya-gai mollusk.

Are Akoya pearls marked?

Cultured Akoya pearls are graded using the Japanese Pearl Grading System, using the A-AAA Scale with the addition of Hanadama Akoya pearls representing the highest pinnacle of the pearl type. The A-AAA system evaluates pearls according to Surface Quality, Luster, and perfection of Shape (roundness and symmetry).