An Akoya cultured pearl is produced by inserting a nucleus (or nuclei) together with a tiny speck (or specks) of mantle tissue into the oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii). The main culturing areas in Japan are Mie, Ehime, Kumamoto and Nagasaki prefectures.

The Five Virtues of Fine Pearls

NATURAL LUSTRE

Luster is probably the best expression of a pearl's beauty. Luster does not simply mean a shiny surface: it implies the structural beauty of the nacre. Japanese Akoya cultured pearls have a special luster which mainly comes from seasonal changes. They are grown in the sea where the water temperature is comparatively low and varies according to the season. These seasonal changes compact the aragonite crystals. Crystals that are formed in the water produce beautiful color and fine luster. Therefore, when Japanese Akoya pearls have enough nacre and contain the ideal amount of aragonite crystals, they are said to be the most beautiful and lustrous among pearls.

NATURAL SIZE

The sizes of Akoya cultured pearls range from 2 to 18 millimeters. Pearls with sizes from 5 to 8 millimeters are generally used for necklaces. On the other hand, any size can be used for ornaments. Because of this size variety, Akoya cultured pearls can satisfy the wishes of practically any customer. Those who look for a gorgeous accessory will find satisfaction in a 9 millimeter pearl necklace. Young women in the work force can accent their beauty with a simple 5 millimeter choker. Because of size variety, there is an ideal Akoya cultured pearl for everytime, place and occasion.

NATURAL SHAPE

When it comes to shape, no other cultured pearl can compete with the Japanese Akoya cultured pearl. To be sure, drop, button and baroque shaped pearls are attractive, but the basic shape is round. For Akoya cultured pearls, round had been designated as the most important shape, followed by semi-round, semi-baroque and baroque. Although this is not the case with other pearls, if an Akoya cultured pearl has extreme circles, it is never accepted unless its beauty can be otherwise evaluated.

NATURAL COLOR

The main colors of Akoya cultured pearls are white, silver, rose pink and pink, and cream, gold green and blue follow. The deep hue of the Japanese Akoya pearls derives from their characteristic nacre structure. Some Akoya cultured pearls undergo certain processes to extract the latent beauty of the pearl. Of course both cultivators and researchers also make their utmost effort to produce Akoya pearls with good color by improving oyster quality, culturing technique and harmonization with farm circumstances.

NATURAL SURFACE

All the factors that disturb the surface smoothness of the pearl and hence decide its appearance are called blemishes. The value of the pearl is greatly affected by these blemishes. Generally, the degree of blemish is divided into clean, slight spot, medium spot and heavy spot according to number, size, kind and location of the blemish. Blemishes are divided into two kinds, natural and artificial. Natural blemish is formed during pearl cultivation. Artificial blemish, on the other hand, is mainly the result of processing.