The Akoya pearl is the pearl prototype: lustrous, white, and round.  It is a classic item, a foundation piece in the jewelry collections of well dressed women the world over.

Akoya pearls come from the Akoya oyster, Pinctada Fucata.  The best are grown in the cold waters around Japan.  The colder waters mean it takes more time for the oyster to create the pearl resulting in a tight nacre structure that gives Akoyas their famously intense, mirror like luster.

Akoyas are produced in sizes ranging from 2mm to 12mm.  Prices jump significantly at sizes above 7.0mm.  Akoyas larger than 8.5mm are very rare and very expensive.  Akoyas with thick nacre usually have an orient that ranges from pink to cream to bluish green.  Rose toned Akoyas are highly prized in the US while French and Middle Eastern markets prefer creamier hues.  German and Japanese consumers opt for the whitest pearls.

Short harvested, thin nacre Akoya pearls are a common problem in the marketplace.  When buying look for exceptional luster and secondary color as these factors indicate a pearl with thick nacre.  Be wary of pearls imported from China and then marketed and sold as products of Japan.  Almost all Akoya pearls are bleached.  This is standard practice but it must be disclosed by the seller.  Buy from a trusted source and be certain your purchase is backed by a written guarantee.

Seabourn Pearls specializes in larger Akoya sizes of 6.5mm to 8.5mm with very high luster and pinkish orient.  We sell the finest quality Akoya pearls for about 65% less than Mikimoto.

Pricing Example 1

• 18” strand of 8-8.5mm Akoyas.  Very high luster, round, near flawless complexion.
• Mikimoto price: $7,000
• Seabourn Pearls price: $2,500

Pricing Example 2

• 18” strand of 7-7.5mm Akoyas.  Very high luster, round, near flawless complexion.
• Mikimoto price: $2,500
• Seabourn Pearls price: $825

Don’t pay retail.  Be smart.  See us first.  You’ll get the finest quality Akoya pearls guaranteed in writing for about 65% less.

Contact Seabourn Pearls today and view our collection of magnificent Akoya pearls at wholesale direct prices. You may also shop our gallery for fine Akoya and other beautiful pearls. Always FREE shipping and always backed by our best in the business money back guarantee.