Differences between Akoya Pearls, Freshwater Cultured Pearls, South Sea Cultured Pearls
June 30th, 2010Akoya pearls originate mainly in Japan and China. The oyster that produces Akoyas has the common name of Pinctada Fucata.These pearls range from two to nine millimeters in diameter, averaging six to seven millimeters.They also display a white appearance with a rose hue. The highest percentage of harvested Akoyas are spherical in shape.Due to the consistent size and shape of the Akoya, we often find that this quality of pearl jewelry brings forth perfectly matched strands.
Similar to the Akoya, the Freshwater cultured pearl is also native to China. However, this pearl does not derive from an oyster and is smaller and less spherical in shape.The color of these pearls can be unique because their color is based upon natural attributes of the mussel as well as the fact that it can be treated or irradiated to achieve a more desired color.The mollusks that produce these pearls are called mussels.The main producer of the Freshwater pearl is the Hyriopsis Cumingi.Small crops of these pearls are produced in Japan, but the majority of the worlds supply of the Freshwater quality comes from China.China can generate up to fifteen times the amount of these pearls when compared to all of the saltwater and freshwater producers combined mainly because a mussel can be harvested more than once, which results in several pearls at one time. Each of those pearls range between four to eleven millimeters in diameter in size. Seeing that there is such a high quantity of this quality it makes the Freshwater a much more affordable option when compared to the other cultured pearls.
The South Sea cultured pearl is known to Australia, Indonesia, and also the Philippines. The common name for the oyster in these areas is Pinctada Maxima.There are two kinds of Pinctada Maxima: gold-lipped and silver-lipped. While appearing golden, silver, or pale with a satin finish look, they are quite different from the reflective nature of the Akoya.In Australia, South Sea pearls are found in the wild and can range from ten to fifteen millimeters in diameter, averaging thirteen millimeters. Conversely, those found in Indonesia and the Philippines are hatchery-bred and fall roughly two millimeters smaller in size. The South Sea quality tends to be more expensive than that of the Akoya, so grouping them together in large matched strands is less practical. South Sea pearls are more often set into pearl necklace, ring, and other jewelry designs that require fewer pearls.
