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Finding Real Akoya Pearls

dextermichaels | Sep 7, 2009 |

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Since the average Akoya pearl necklace can cost well over four-thousand dollars, there is a certain dark element within the jewelry community that tries to pass off other kinds of less rare pearls as Akoyas. But, if you spend a bit of time reading and learning online, you can learn four different ways to verify if what you are looking at is truly an Akoya pearl.

First, all Akoya pearls are cultured and harvested from either Japan or China. If you have a pearl in your hand and are being told it is an Akoya and was harvested in Tennessee, or any other location, it is mostly likely a fake. This also brings up another great way to determine whether or not you are dealing with an honest jewelry seller. Because of the way the industry works, almost all retailers can give you a somewhat detailed history of the necklace or other piece of jewelry you are looking at. If you inquire to the origin of the pearls they should be able to provide where it was harvested from, when and whose hands it went through before arriving at their store.

Another great way and easy way to identify an authentic Akoya pearl is by the feel of the pearl itself. When comparing one of the Akoya pearls to a more common freshwater pearl, the Akoya should be much smoother to the touch. There should be almost no noticeable blemishes and the luster or shine of the Akoya pearl necklace should be remarkably brighter than other kinds of pearls.

The third step in identifying a real Akoya pearl necklace is somewhat intangible, but is still important. True Akoya pearls that come from Japan or China should have a white or light cream color when viewed under good lights. Now, it is true there are some Akoya pearls that have slight tones of rose, yellow, pink or even blue in them, but these are very rare. In fact, if you are told the pearls you are holding are real Akoyas, and have a slight coloration to them, they should be more expensive than the white or cream Akoya pearls.

Finally, the size of an Akoya pearl is another way to determine authenticity. While all pearls, including Akoyas, can range in size most of the pearls from Japan and China that are real Akoya will be a bit smaller than normal. The specific oyster than cultures an Akoya pearl is actually a smaller species and because of this, make somewhat smaller pearls.

When looking to buy an Akoya pearl necklace you should always deal with a jeweler you know, or has been recommended by a friend or family member. If you decide to purchase online, do your consumer research and make sure they have plenty of happy customers on product review sites. You can also read pearl jewelry review tips and help at Pearl Necklace Buzz, as well as other independent websites.