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Akoya Pearls
Checkout Ebay Auctions For The Cheapest Prices
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 6.5-7mm Akoya Pearl Necklace and Dangle Earrings Set  US $74.99
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 CHARMING 8-9MM AkOYA BLACK PEARL NECKLACE 17" US $13.99
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Here are some more information for Akoya Pearls:
1) As you may have noticed, freshwater pearl jewelry is less expensive. And you know the Akoya pearl is more expensive....
A few reasons for this difference, one the freshwater pearl is easier to grow. Freshwater pearls are easier to grow because the process of nucleation is different and easier. The amount of nucleation per mollusk is much more in the freshwater pearl mussel (at one time 40 to 50) the most an akoya can produce might be 4 or 5 and they do not that often because quality goes down and mortality goes up. Freshwater mussels can be nucleated again with less mortality than the one time for akoyas. There is more control over the environment, ponds and streams as opposed to ocean water, which has typhoons and red tides to contend with.
2) Of course, Akoya Pearls are mostly round in shape.
And needless to say, Freshwater pearls are rarely round shaped.
The Akoya is nucleated with a round bead made from a freshwater mussel shell that is made round to begin with. The Freshwater mussel is nucleated with a piece of soft tissue, usually just a flat piece, or many flat pieces.
3) The freshwater pearl earring is solid nacre.
Here is something you might not know about...an Akoya Pearl Necklace has a bead core made of shell and only a coating of nacre, as thin as 1mm.
See above, the soft tissue that the freshwater mussel is nucleated with is absorbed leaving a pearl of solid nacre, more like natural pearls. The Akoya is nucleated with a shell bead of some size, and only allowed to develop nacre for a limited time before harvesting. The length of time is limited only by the cultivator's desire for quicker harvests.
4) A benefit of thicker nacre means that a freshwater pearl necklace will last longer.
Truth be told, low grade akoya pearl necklaces with a thin coating of nacre often chip and or wear off.
As you can imagine, a freshwater pearl with solid nacre has nothing to chip away; whereas, an Akoya pearl is possibly only a coating of as little as 1mm, so it can easily be worn or chipped.
5) The better grades of Akoya Pearl Jewelry have a higher luster compared to freshwater jewelry pearls.
A Freshwater pearl bracelet can have "orient', a rainbow iridescence noticed on heirloom or natural pearls. An Akoya pearl bracelet does not have this.
The nacre or mother of pearl of the Akoya has a greater luster or glow. The Freshwater pearl can have a trait called "orient" which is a shimmering of a rainbow of color, like the way that oil looks on water. Orient is seen on natural saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls; but, not on Akoya cultured pearls.
So it adds up to this: Things they are a changing. From keshi pearls called rice crispies because that's what they look like, to gem grade pearls. Freshwater jewelry pearls are now rivaling Akoya jewelry pearls in beauty.
Freshwater pearl jewelry is changing rapidly. A Freshwater pearl necklace will last longer, and be tomorrow's heirloom. Freshwater Pearls are gaining in quality and popularity.
Patrick Cavanaugh
Freshwater pearls here--> [http://www.sunshinepearls.com/freshwater-pearl-jewelry-c-295_150.html]
Akoya Pearls--> [http://www.sunshinepearls.com/akoya-pearl-jewelry-c-295_302.html]
4 Quick Ways to Identify Akoya Pearl Jewelry
Akoya pearl jewelry is one of the most popular types of pearl jewelry available. Often times when you are looking at a set of jewelry, it has been strung together with Akoya pearls. While identifying the specific type of pearl to the untrained eye can be difficult, you can use the following principals to help you understand better the characteristics of what makes Akoya pearl jewelry so different.
The Origin of Akoya Pearl Jewelry
Akoya pearls are generally harvested in Japan and China. Like many pearls they are cultured on farms and individually hand picked. Of course, only the top pearls make it to the final jewelry piece. You can ask your jeweler the origins of the pearls and they should be more than happy to give you a back story.
The Size of Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls can vary in size. On average, they measure from 6 to 7 mm. However, they can be as tiny as 2mm or as large as 10 mm. Unlike other types of pearls, Akoya pearls have the ability to be so small because they come from the Akoya oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii) which tends to be smaller in size as well.
The Color of Akoya Pearl Jewelry
Akoya pearls are generally white or cream. However, they have also been known to have some yellow, pink, blue and even rose overtones. When looking at the <b>Akoya pearl jewelry</b> you are interested in, keep a close eye on what the jeweler is telling you, or if you’re shopping online, what the details for that set of jewelry are.
The Texture of Akoya Pearls
In comparison to Freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls can be distinctly identified. They are much smoother to the touch in terms of its texture. In addition, the luster, or the pearls ability to reflect light and shine, is much stronger.
While all types of pearls are beautiful, the characteristics of an Akoya pearl make it especially pleasing. The vast difference in the sizes the pearl can come in, make Akoya pearl jewelry much more interesting and appealing to the average eye. Bearing these 4 quick characteristics can help you narrow down what type of pearl you are looking at and make an informed, educated purchasing decision that you will ultimately be most happy with.
About the Author
Pearl Classic is an online pearl jewelry store specializing in high quality and affordable jewelry. Their extensive collection includes Akoya, Freshwater, Tahitian and South Sea pearls. For more information and to view their collection, please visit http://www.pearlclassic.com
Where is a reliable place to buy a custom conflict-free engagement ring?
My boyfriend and I are going on 6 years now and we're starting to plan our engagement. The ideal ring I want would be a Japanese Akoya pearl with a few diamonds set on either side of the pearl. The only problem we have run into is that we want conflict-free diamonds. Is there a place that sells pearl rings with conflict free diamond accompaniment or would we have to buy the pearl, diamonds, and band separately and have them put together?
Thanks for any help or advice!
Start by talking with small, independent jewelry stores in your area (not the big chain stores like Zales, Jared, etc). Independent stores can often be more accommodating in terms of customization and in obtaining stones from the source you want.
If you want certified conflict-free diamonds, don't just accept diamonds that come from a Kimberley Protocol country. The Protocol only works on the honor system and there is no way to verify that a diamond mined in Africa and sold in Tel Aviv is truly conflict-free. You want diamonds that were mined in Canada.
Most diamond rings are sold "separately," even if you buy the band and the stone at the same store - you get to pick the actual diamond you want, not just what's shown in the display band. You get to choose a stone with the price, size, color, clarity, etc, that you want. In that sense, most engagement rings are "customized." But if you're talking about a ring designed and crafted to your specifications, that's more work and takes more time.
I have no doubt you could find a setting that would accommodate a pearl and side diamonds, and that you could tell the store what kind of stones you want and where you want them to originate from. It's just going to take some phone calls.
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