Size
The sizes of Akoya cultured pearls range from 2 to 10mm. Pearls with sizes
from 5 to 8mm are generally used for necklaces. On the other hand, any size
can be used for ornaments. Because of this size variety, Akoya cultured
pearls can satisfy the wishes of practically any customer.
Those who look for a gorgeous accessory will find satisfaction in a 9mm pearl necklace.
Young women in the work force can accent their beauty with a simple 5mm
choker. Because of size variety, there is an ideal Akoya cultured pearl for
every time, place and occasion.
Shape
When it comes to shape, no other cultured pearl can compete with the
Japanese Akoya cultured pearl. To be sure, drop, pear and baroque shaped
pearls are attractive, but the basic shape is round. For Akoya cultured
pearls, round had been designated as the most important shape, followed by
semi-round, semi-baroque and baroque.
Although this is not the case with
other pearls, if an Akoya cultured pearl has extreme circles, it is never
accepted unless its beauty can be otherwise evaluated.
Nacre thickness
Nacre thickness is more than the amount of nacre; it has other meaningful
aspects as well. The structure of the nacre is composed of thousands of
layers of thin calcium carbonate crystals with the thickness of 0.35 to 0.5
ƒÊm (1ƒÊm = 1/1000mm). This distinctive nacre structure influences the
color, luster, durability and elasticity of the pearl.
Nor is it an
exaggeration to say that many of the unique characteristics of the Akoya
cultured pearl are attributable to its nacre structure.
Blemish
All the factors that disturb the surface smoothness of the pearl and hence
decide its appearance are called blemishes. The value of the pearl is
greatly affected by these blemishes. Generally, the degree of blemish is
divided into clean, slight spot, medium spot and heavy spot according to
number, size, kind and location of the blemish. Blemishes are divided into
two kinds, natural and artificial.
Natural blemish is formed during pearl
cultivation. Artificial blemish, on the other hand, is mainly the result of
processing and it is rejected at Pearl Export Inspection.
Luster
Luster is probably the best expression of a pearl's beauty. Luster does not
simply mean a shiny surface: it implies the structural beauty of the nacre.
Japanese Akoya cultured pearls have a special luster which mainly comes from
seasonal changes. They are grown in the sea where the water temperature is
comparatively low and varies according to the season. These seasonal changes
compact the aragonite crystals. Crystals that are formed in the water
produce beautiful color and fine luster.
Therefore, when Japanese Akoya
pearls have enough nacre and contain the ideal amount of aragonite crystals,
they are said to be the most beautiful and lustrous among pearls.
Color
The main colors of Akoya cultured pearls are white, silver, rose pink and
pink, and cream, gold, green and blue follow. The deep hue of the Japanese
Akoya pearls derives from their characteristic nacre structure. Some Akoya
cultured pearls undergo certain processes to extract the latent beauty of
the pearl.
Of course both cultivators and researchers also make their utmost
effort to produce Akoya pearls with good color by improving oyster quality,
culturing technique and harmonization with farm circumstances.
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