Akoya pearls are definitely provides good value for money without compromising on its rich beauty. When it comes to compare to other pearls varieties, Akoya pearls considered the best among the others. What Akoya gives, Freshwater pearls lack in providing that. However, the attractive pricing and palette of colors makes them a great option for many people.
As we can see, all pearls are similar in look but in reality, that is not the case. If you are planning to buy pearl jewelry for any occasion then you might definitely get confused in which type of pearl you should buy?
We suggest, before buying your pearl jewelry, make sure to compare the analysis between Akoya pearl and Freshwater pearls, which are the most popular varieties of cultured pearl.
By comparing their properties, you will get the clear view on which type of pearl you should buy?
To go further in details, let’s understand first…
What Exactly Akoya Pearl Is?
The akoya pearl, (Pinctada fucata martensii), is a saltwater cultured pearl from the akoya oyster. Information about akoyas is widely available since they are the most common type of saltwater pearl with the longest history of cultivation!
With their flawless round shapes, brilliant mirror-like shine, and neutral hues, akoya pearls are regarded as the classic pearl choice by most retailers and customers. Akoya pearls are also utilized in necklaces and other pearl jewelry.
Now, let’s understand…
What Exactly Freshwater Pearl Is?
Mollusks, or animals like oysters, mussels, and clams, live in freshwater habitats and are the source of freshwater pearls. When an irritant enters a specific species of these mollusks, pearls form. Subsequently, the mollusks release a fluid surrounding the irritant, which might be a sand grain. This liquid coating is applied on the irritant in layers over many years, until finally a pearl forms.
In addition to being purposefully created in a more controlled setting, these jewels can occur naturally in aquatic habitats. Compared to farmed pearls, natural pearls are more precious and rarer.
Main Difference Between Akoya Vs Freshwater Pearl?
To check the main difference between them, let’s checkout these points;
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Size:
Freshwater pearls are usually always larger than the Akoya pearls. Usually, most of the freshwater pearls range from 3 to 14mm, but they can also reach 50mm long!
Akoya pearls grow much slower than freshwater, so they don’t get nearly as big. Akoya pearls range from 2 to 10mm in size, but usually they are around 7 to 8 mm. It is not important if the pearl is larger, quality is what matters the most.
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Shape:
Freshwater pearls are uneven, whereas akoya pearls are flawlessly spherical. Pearls from freshwater may look egg-shaped or oval. To make one-of-a-kind jewelry, some collectors like looking for freshwater pearls with odd shapes.
While not completely round Akoya pearls are still valuable, they will not be graded as highly.
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Color:
Compared to Akoya pearls, freshwater pearls have a wider range of colors. The majority of Akoya pearls are white, cream, or light neutral in color. A vast array of colors, including pink, gold, blue-green, peach, purple, gray, white, and cream, are possible for freshwater pearls.
Since both types of pearls are frequently bleached to make them whiter, you cannot distinguish between Akoya and freshwater pearls only by looking at their color. You can find out if your pearls have been bleached by lab testing.
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Luster:
Freshwater pearls are not as shiny as akoya pearls. The term "luster" describes how light reflects off pearls. Compared to freshwater pearls, akoya pearls are rounder and smaller, which makes them excellent at reflecting light. The look of freshwater pearls is typically duller or slightly chalky.
Freshwater pearls that are more recent may have a lustrous appearance due to advancements in growing methods.
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Natural Flaws:
Surface imperfections don't aid in differentiation because they are natural. Freshwater and Akoya pearls feature small bumps and wrinkles because they are cultured, not artificially made. It's not a guarantee that you have freshwater pearls instead of Akoya or vice versa if you notice small spots or small flaws.
Retailers grade and price the pearls for sale based on their surface conditions. Pearls are more precious the fewer imperfections they have.
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Nacre:
Unlike Akoya pearls, freshwater pearls have extremely thick nacre. The pearl's outermost coating is called nacre. Akoya pearls have very thin nacre, typically about 1 mm thick, whereas freshwater pearls are virtually entirely composed of nacre.
Because of this, freshwater pearls are less fragile than akoya pearls.The nacre of some lower-quality Akoya pearls is barely 1/2 mm thick.
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Origin:
While most freshwater pearls originate in China, akoya pearls are native to Japan. Japanese saltwater pearls are named after the tiny oyster known as akoya. While some Akoya pearls are produced in China, the majority of freshwater pearls are made there from mussels that live in rivers and lakes.
Some freshwater pearls are also produced in the Mississippi river basin in the United States.
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Rarity and Value:
Pearls from Akoya are more uncommon and highly prized. This is due to the fact that, unlike freshwater mussels, akoya oysters require years to grow instead of months. The pearls then require an additional eight months to two years to mature. In addition, compared to freshwater mussels, akoya oysters yield fewer pearls. The length of production and the pearls' superior quality increase the cost and value of Akoya pearls significantly.
When purchasing pearls, think about why you want to get them. Consider investing in Akoya pearls if you're seeking for something that will last a lifetime. Freshwater pearls are a good choice if you're giving a buddy their first pearl jewelry so they can learn how to take care of them.
Wrapping Up With:
Because of their nearly flawless round shape and minimal variation, akoya pearls are a fantastic option for jewelry. Their attractive sheen and muted hues also contribute to their appeal. In contrast to other types like Tahitian and South Sea pearls, Akoya pearls are unquestionably more affordable without sacrificing elegance.
Akoya pearls have a deep, exquisite brilliance that freshwater pearls do not. Still, a lot of individuals find them to be a terrific option because of their attractive pricing and color pallet.
