GemTrove: Stunning Akoya Cultured Pearls

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Akoya Pearls

Timeless Akoya Pearls

akoyaAkoya pearls are considered to be the traditional type of pearl. They represent the symbolic image of white, shimmering strands of round gemstones. The Akoya pearl has a sterling reputation as the most superior range amongst the pearl family. Akoya cultured pearls are defined by its brilliant lustre, smooth surfaces, symmetrical shape and variety of rare colours.
An Akoya cultured pearl is produced from saltwater oysters. The majority of Akoya pearls are produced in Japan, although they are also cultured in China, Vietnam, South Korea and Australia.
The Akoya pearl is considered as the original pearls because they were the first pearls ever to be farmed. Akoya pearls were first cultured in 1916 and over time has claimed its fame as the symbol for classic white pearls.

Basic Akoya Characteristics
There are no pre-defined quality industry standards for pearls. However, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has developed their way of assessing the gemstone. The 7 qualities the GIA revises is a pearl’s Luster, Surface Quality, Shape, Colour, Nacre Thickness, Size, and Matching. The most valuable Akoya pearl should be close to blemish-free, have a thick-layered nacre, along with a mirror-like lustre.

Lustre: The lustre of a pearl is the most important out of the 7 value factors. An Akoya pearls’ unique beauty is determined by the way light travels across its surface to give off the unique shimmer. How strong the light reflects is the lustre quality of the pearl. Lustre ranges from Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Each tier determines whether light reflections appear bright and sharp or weak, blurred and diffused.
Surface Quality: The surface of any gemstone can have a variety of blemishes. If there are too many surface marks on a pearl gemstone, it’s overall lustre is affected. Typically, surface characteristics have less effect on a pearl’s value if there are only a few, or small minor enough that it can be hidden by a drill-hole or jewellery settings.
Shape: Most Akoya pearls have outstanding symmetry, and most have a round or near-round shape. There are also some Akoya pearl gemstones that have a baroque or semi-baroque shape there is a slight elongation on a surface of the stone.
Colour: Akoya pearls are renowned for its white, creamy colour. The stone also has hints of rose or green overtone. Body colour wise, neutral or near-neutral Akoya pearls are a white-cream colour. However, there are some hues of yellow, blue and yellow Akoya pearl gemstones.
Nacre Thickness: Nacre refers to the natural outer coating of a pearl. It is meant to be strong, resilient and iridescent. Nacre thickness is necessary because it protects the stone as well as determining the potential lustre of the gem. An Akoya pearl that has a thin nacre will appear chalky and lack lustre.
Size: The average size of an Akoya cultured pearl ranges between 6mm to 8mm, but the stone can be found as small as 2 mm and as big as 11 mm.
Matching: For certain jewellery settings matching shapes of pearls are important. When pearls are fashioned in strands for necklaces and bracelets, the gems should be as identical as possible. The value of a pearl strand may decrease if its stones vary too much in shape and size.

Explore Our Elegant Range Of Sterling Akoya Pearl Jewellery
Wear beautiful strands of Akoya pearls or adorn them on custom earrings. From Akoya pearl rings to bracelets, browse the full GemTrove pearl collection today. We carefully curate our showroom and online store to display our vast array of quality Akoya pearl jewellery.
For more information about pearl characteristics, buying tips or customising your jewellery with Akoya pearls get in touch with one of our friendly staff members. Have us find the perfect Akoya pearl jewellery for you.

 

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