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Akoya Pearl

Pearl

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV
Published: June 2014
Modified: February 2023
Akoya Pearl Polished Akoya Pearl Jewelry
Table of Contents
  • General Information
  • Akoya Pearl Colors
  • Alternate Names
  • Countries of Origin
  • History
  • Care
  • More About Akoya Pearl

Akoya pearls are the saltwater pearls produced by the Akoya oyster, Pinctada fucata martensii and Pinctada fucata chemnitzii. When the Akoya pearls achieve a great nacre thickness the pearls appear to “glow” due to their fine luster. The Japanese are the largest producers of Akoya pearls. Japanese Akoya pearls gained their notoriety after the promotion efforts of Kokichi Mikimoto a famous pioneer of cultured pearls. The Chinese began to experiment with culturing Akoya pearls after the Japanese experienced environmental issues. Pearls are typically well rounded and can grow up to 10mm.


General Information

  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical Properties
  • Chemistry & Crystallography
Common Name
Akoya Pearl
Species
Pearl
Transparency
Translucent - Opaque
Refractive Index
1.530-1.685
Birefringence
0.155
Optic Character
NA
Optic Sign
NA
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Variable
LWUV: Variable
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
2.5-4
Specific Gravity
2.720-2.780
Toughness
Good
Inclusions
Akoya pearls have an intense luster and iridescent surface. If the pearl is drilled you can inspect the hole to look for bead nucleus.
Luster
Dull, Metallic
Stability
Poor
Fracture
Uneven
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
calcium carbonate + conchiolin and water
Chemical Formula
CaCO3
Crystal System
NA
Chemistry Classification
Organic

Akoya Pearl Colors

  • Brown Akoya Pearl
    Brown
  • Yellow Akoya Pearl
    Yellow
  • Pink Akoya Pearl
    Pink
  • Gray Akoya Pearl
    Gray
  • Blue Akoya Pearl
    Blue
  • Black Akoya Pearl
    Black
  • White Akoya Pearl
    White

Alternate Names

Akoya-Gai, Hanadama Akoya Pearls

Countries of Origin

Viet Nam; Korea (the Republic of); Unknown; China; Japan; Australia; Indonesia

History

Envision the shimmering beauty of moonlight across calm waters... the gentle movement and delicate dance of light. Capture that vision in an elegant orb, and you have the akoya pearl. What you're seeing in your mind's eye is the luster that makes these glorious stones so compelling. Soft blushes of white-to-cream color whisper across the surface of a fine akoya, with subtle nuances of rose or silver. The real story of the akoya is found in her incomparable beauty. She is the pearl that sets the standard for most pearls. The pearl is known as "the Queen of Gems."

Care

Pearls require special handling. Wipe clean with a soft cloth. Follow the last-on, first-off rule: they should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Always avoid contact with oils and fragrances.

More About Akoya Pearl

As one of the earliest known gemstones and one of the loveliest, the pearl has been the center of endless tales and legends. Here are some we enjoy: In ancient Persia it was thought that pearls were formed when a rainbow met the earth after a storm. Imperfections? They were caused by thunder and lightning! Another version tells us that pearls are created when moonbeams unite with oysters. We find it easy to believe that the lovely pearl is a child of the moon. Folklore has it that Cleopatra told Mark Anthony she could drink a fortune in a single cup. As the story goes, she crushed a pearl, mixed it with wine/vinegar and drank it.

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