The grading system of Akoya pearl

The grading system of Akoya pearl

Akoya pearl is a kind of saltwater pearls from Akoya oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii), which are usually cultured. Even though they are called a Japanese name, the oyster originates from China; China has a long history of culturing South China Sea Pearl with Akoya oyster in the sea area of Southern China.
Uasually we judge the value of Akoya pearl by using these 5 qualities:
1.Akoya pearl Luster and Nacre

Akoya pearl has the strongest luster in all pearls. Sometimes, even in a dim environment, a high quality Akoya pearl can still reflect the limited light and display a strong contrast of the light and dark part.

In Akoya pearl trade standard, 0.35mm is a minimum nacre thickness of Akoya Pearls. But now, it is hard to find Akoya pearls reach this nacre thickness. Therefore, GIA define a nacre thickness for Akoya Pearls.
2.Akoya pearl Surface Quality

It is very normal that Large or thick nacre Akoya pearl has some blemishes on the surface. That just because the pearl get those blemishes as with they stay a long time in the oyster.
3.Akoya pearl Color

Body color and overtone of Akoya pearl play an important role on determining its price.

Light Pink: The highest price Akoya pearl

White: white body color normally with silver or pink overtone

Light Cream: cost less than white. But in low quality pearls, the different between the two are small

Cream: lower than light cream one

Dark Cream & Yellow: Less 50% of price than white Akoya Pearl
4.Akoya pearl Shapes

We grade pearl shape into four levels:

Round

Off-round,

Semi-baroque

Baroque
5.Akoya pearl Size

Akoya pearls are with wide size range under 9mm. China has been the major Akoya producer under 7mm, but most pearl above 7mm are produced in Japan. Most common sizes are from 5MM to 8MM. A 10MM Akoya is uncommon, and an 11MM Akoya is rare.
According the factors, we could decide the Akoya pearl grading system: AAA, AA+, AA, A+ and A.
Treated Akoya Pearls provide a variety of Akoya pearl jewelry for people to choose. Their shapes and luster make up a special jewelry in every mature women's jewelry box. High quaility akoya pearl jewelry reflects a classic personal style with a feminine point of view. Compare to natural color pearl like Tahitian or Golden South Sea pearl, treated akoya pearls are more affordable. That doesn't means they are inferior. Nowadays, those beautiful treated Akoya pearls make Akoya pearl jewlery more colorful and changeful, they even become the-first-place jewelry in celebrity.

Shecy Pearls are dedicated in providing our customers with high quality Akoya pearl ring, Akoya pearl necklace, Akoya pearl earring, Akoya pearl pendant and Akoya pearl bracelet of different colors and designs.