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.
Akoya pearls are the preeminent cultured pearls. They are the pearls that the Mikimoto brand popularized. Prized by royalty and pearl connoisseurs for centuries, Akoya pearls have long been coveted for their perfectly round shape, richness, and deep luster.
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.
Pearls with particular brand names will also retain (and even increase) their value over the years; vintage Mikimoto Akoya pearls that still have their original clasp, box and papers to establish provenance are very highly sought after today and continue to fetch premium resale values.
Cultured Freshwater pearls are widely known for their pastel natural colors, unique overtones and incredibly wide variety of shapes and sizes. Freshwater pearls are also loved for their affordability and durability, making them a great choice for any one new to pearls and even established collectors.
Pearls that begin to yellow indicate that they are organic and subject to change. What kind of pearls are prone to yellowing? Fresh water pearls and pearl of white colors are more susceptible to yellowing because their colors tend to lean toward white.
Pearl jewelry can be damaged by many chemicals and all acids. This includes perfume, cosmetics, hair spray, and even perspiration. Your freshwater pearl jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Do not wear your pearl jewelry when exercising, showering, to the pool or to the beach.
Color. Saltwater pearl oysters produce a variety of colors, but the classic white pearl remains the favorite for the Akoya. Soft overtones of rose, cream and silver lend subtle differences to these white pearls, so it's worth exploring the spectrum to find what feels right.
Not only can pearls be damaged by water, but there are other hazards that can affect pearls in the shower. For example, the soap, shampoo, conditioner, or oils you use in the shower contain chemicals that can further damage your pearl jewelry. In general, it's not a good idea to wear your pearl jewelry in the shower .
As such, we'd encourage you to wear your pearls as much as you can – every day if you wish! If you do wear your pearl necklaces often, it's a good idea to have them restrung annually as the inner thread will start to deteriorate over time.
White and Golden South Sea pearls are the largest and most luxurious of all cultured pearl types on the market today. Often called the “Queen of Pearls”, South Sea pearls feature a gorgeous palette of natural Golden and White colors that shimmer with delicate overtones and are simply unmistakable.
The most popular size of Akoya pearl is 7-7.5 mm. A very close second is 8-8.5 mm. Freshwater pearl necklaces measuring 7.5-8 mm reign supreme. The second most popular is 8.5-9 mm.
Mikimoto Pearls is a brand name of a jeweler that specializes in creating pearl jewelry from Akoya pearls. The company pioneered cultured pearls in 1893 and is now the biggest name in luxurious, high-quality jewelry featuring cultured pearls.
South Sea pearls are often referred to as the Rolls Royce of pearls. They are the largest and most valuable pearls grown today, with average sizes ranging from 10 to 15 millimeters. South Sea pearls grow in a large pearl oyster native to Australia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia.
Astrology says that the people whose zodiac signs lords are Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Rahu should never wear pearls. Pearls harm the natives of these zodiac signs. This means that people of Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius ascendant should not wear pearls.
Freshwater pearls are cultivated in freshwater mussels, so they are not as durable as saltwater pearls and should not be worn in the shower or while swimming.
New Word Suggestion. The Japanese term for natural or cultured pearls that come from the akoya-gai mollusk.
Akoya pearls have a higher luster than freshwater pearls.
Because Akoya pearls are smaller and perfectly round, they reflect light better than freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearls tend to be duller or a little chalky in appearance.
Fine South Sea Baroque Pearls are much more valuable and desirable than Baroque Akoya Pearls. Because of the large size difference in the two primary varieties, a South Sea Baroque Pearl is more likely to have a critical mass of lustrous surface.
The 22K to 24K Golden tone is a "Very Deep" natural Golden color. Golden South Sea pearls featuring the 22K to 24K hues are the rarest and most valuable (all other factors being equal).
Is it OK to wear pearls everyday? Absolutely. Pearl jewelry should be worn and enjoyed frequently, so avoid leaving your pearls in a security box for long periods of time. But as many jewelry, pearls are beautiful, but they are delicate and should be worn with care.
These durable and dependable gemstones will last a lifetime if you take good care of them. Like all precious jewelry, it's best to protect your freshwater pearls from water, sweat, harsh chemicals, and rough materials. You can clean them with a damp or dry microfiber cloth.
Cosmetics, sun block, perfume and hairspray all contain chemicals that can dramatically dull the luster of a pearl. The natural acids contained in body oils and perspiration can also damage pearls in the same way.