Akoya Pearls Versus Freshwater Pearls

Some obvious differences and some not so obvious differences.

 

Here’s what this is all about:

1) As you may have noticed. Freshwater Pearl jewelry is less expensive.
And you know the Akoya pearl is more expensive

A few reasons for this difference, one the freshwater pearl is easier to grow. Freshwater pearls are easier to grow because the process of nucleation is different and easier. The amount of nucleation per mollusk is much more in the freshwater pearl mussel (at one time 40 to 50) the most an akoya can produce might be 4 or 5 and I don’t think they do that often because quality goes down and mortality goes up. Freshwater mussels can be nucleated again with less mortality than the one time for akoyas. There is more control over the environment, ponds and streams as opposed to ocean water, which has typhoons and red tides to contend with.

2) Of course,  Akoya Pearls are mostly round in shape.
And needless to say, Freshwater pearls are rarely round shaped.

The Akoya is nucleated with a round bead made from a freshwater mussel shell that is made round to begin with. The Freshwater mussel is nucleated with a piece of soft tissue, usually just a flat piece, or many flat pieces.

3) The freshwater pearl earring is solid nacre.
Here’s something you probably don’t know about…an Akoya Pearl Necklace has a bead core made of shell and only a coating of nacre, as thin as 1mm.

See above, the soft tissue that the freshwater mussel is nucleated with is absorbed leaving a pearl of solid nacre, more like natural pearls. The Akoya is nucleated with a shell bead of some size, and only allowed to develop nacre for a limited time before harvesting. The length of time is limited only by the cultivator’s desire for quicker harvests.

4) A benefit of thicker nacre means that a freshwater pearl necklace will last longer.
Truth be told, low grade akoya pearl necklaces with a thin coating of nacre often chip and or wear off.

As you can imagine, a freshwater pearl with solid nacre has nothing to chip away; whereas, an Akoya pearl is possibly only a coating of as little as 1mm, so it can easily be worn or chipped.

5) The better grades of Akoya Pearl Jewelry have a higher luster compared to freshwater  jewelry pearls.
A Freshwater pearl bracelet can have “orient’, a rainbow iridescence noticed on heirloom or natural pearls. An Akoya pearl bracelet does not have this.

The nacre or mother of pearl of the Akoya has a grater luster or glow. The Freshwater pearl can have a trait called “orient” which is a shimmering of a rainbow of color, like the way that oil looks on water. Orient is seen on natural saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls; but, not on Akoya cultured pearls.

So it adds up to this: Things they are a changing’. From keshi pearls called rice crispies because that’s what they look like, to gem grade pearls. Freshwater jewelry pearls are now rivaling Akoya jewelry pearls in beauty.
Freshwater pearl jewelry is changing rapidly. A Freshwater pearl necklace will last longer, and be tomorrow’s heirloom. Freshwater Pearls are gaining in quality and popularity.

 

About the Author

More types of jewelry pearls Patrick Cavanaugh writes about pearls .

8.5-9mm Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings with White Gold $99.89

16″ BEAUTIFUL NATURAL WHITE FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE $0.99

8.5-9mm Cultured Freshwater Pearl Earrings with Yellow $119.69

Green Amethyst and Cultured Freshwater Pearl Earrings $77.39

6.5-7mm Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings with White Gold $91.79

Lustrous Peach Freshwater Pearl Round Beads 6mm 15″ $5.99

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5.5-6mm Cultured Freshwater Pearl Earrings with White G $81.89

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2 Strands 18″ Crystal & Black Freshwater Pearl Necklace $0.99

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Wedding party jewelry white freshwater pearl necklace $0.20

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5-5.5mm Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings with Yellow Gold $77.39

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Cz & Crystals P-10133 : Sterling Silver 18 Inch Rhodium Plated 18 Inch Necklace With Freshwater Pearls & Cz Pendan * Sterling Silver Freshwater Pearl Necklace * 18 Inch Box Chain With Spring Ring Clasp * 8mm Freshwater Pearl Pendant Dangles From Two Bezel Set Czs * Top Cz Is 6mm In Diameter Followed By A 4mm Cz. * Pendant Is Approximately 25mm In Length * Rhodium Pla…

ivory freshwater pearl cluster & rhinestone drawer knob Ivory Freshwater Pearl Cluster & Rhinestone Drawer Knob has Add sparkle, shine and a timeless elegance to your furniture piece These knobs will look amazing on a nightstand, vanity or desk in your little girl’s room.Size: Multiple SizesCountry Cottage takes great pride in producing an end product that is made with the highest quality and details and is extraordinary in design and visual appeal. Th…

ivory freshwater pearl flower & rhinestone drawer knob Ivory Freshwater Pearl Flower & Rhinestone Drawer Knob has Add sparkle, shine and a timeless elegance to your furniture piece. These knobs will look amazing on a nightstand, vanity or desk in your little girl’s room.Size: Multiple SizesCountry Cottage takes great pride in producing an end product that is made with the highest quality and details and is extraordinary in design and visual appeal. Th…

Silver 18-inch Freshwater Biwa Pearl Necklace (12-14 mm) $32.29 Add a touch of elegance to any wardrobe with a beautiful Biwa pearl necklaceThe irregular shape of these freshwater pearls give this necklace a unique lookThis jewelry piece also features a shining sterling silver clasp

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Silver Cultured Freshwater Pearl CZ Pendant $13.59 A button-shaped cultured freshwater pearl is set at the top, followed by an alternating pattern of cubic zirconias and pear-shap

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Freshwater Pearls $40.95 Buy and sell [Freshwater Pearls] at great prices.

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Pearls $4.93 Pearls

Simply Pearls $17.98 Whether you prefer a classic single strand or a funky combination of pearls and semi-precious materials, Simply Pearls shows you how to create necklaces that are easy to make yet look both expensive and professionally made. No longer the extravagance they used to be, pearls come in a variety of types—from freshwater to faux—that make these beautiful gems an affordable and elegant option.With projects designed for beginners and intermediate crafters—with a few more challenging designs for good measure—Simply Pearls is a volume that people will consult again and again for basic stringing, knotting, and wire-work techniques; to find inspiration and project ideas, including tips on refreshing heirloom jewelry; and as a materials reference. Whether your look is modern and edgy or classic Chanel, Simply Pearls offers great how-to-wear-it ideas and beautiful projects that will give you the Tiffany’s look at Target prices.

High Quality Brand New Necklace With Genuine Freshwater Pearls . Total item weight 110.5g Length 62in – Certificate Available. $24 Brand New Necklace With Genuine Freshwater Pearls . Total item weight 110.5g Length 62in – Certificate Available.

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