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Knowing About Akoya Pearl Necklaces

dextermichaels | Sep 7, 2009 |

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With the Christmas shopping season almost upon us many people may be looking for an Akoya pearl necklace to give a special someone in their life. Or if you know you'll be shopping for something, but don't know what yet, consider a piece of pearl jewelry made with Akoya pearls. Because of the high quality, and somewhat rare number of these fine gems they can be the centerpiece of almost any jewelry collection.

Because the Akoya pearl is so rare the amount you will pay for the average necklace with this rare gem is around four thousand dollars. But it is important to note that most retail locations offer steep discounts and specials during the Christmas season. It is not uncommon at all to see a necklace that is regularly priced around five-thousand dollars to sell for less than two-thousand during the week before Christmas.

One of the most telling characteristics of an Akoya pearl necklace is the overall shine and luster that comes from it. Because of the special way these pearls are cultured, the look is often designed as diamonds that are in the shape of a pearl. In circles of jewelry collecting and other upper-class income earners, having an Akoya pearl piece of jewelry is almost expected as a base of achievement.

When you go out and shop for pearls make sure to ask about the rating of each. While some retailers will have their own internal rating method, they are still required to share with you the true rating based on internationally recognized practices. Akoya pearls are ranked from AAA down to A, with the "AAA" level being considered the top 1% of any large harvest. If an Akoya pearl is to be graded with an AAA rating it should have almost unbelievable luster and sheen and be 96% free of any blemishes. As you step down the grading levels you will find some pearls have small blemishes, although they are usually mostly covered by the posthole or mounting brackets.

Another thing to keep in mind when buying any kind of pearl necklace is something called "matching" of the pearls. Because each pearl comes from an individual oyster, the level of shine or slight color variations can occur from pearl to pearl. Quality jewelry manufacturers will make sure to match the color and sheen of each pearl they put in a necklace making them appear as identical as possible.

Buying an Akoya pearl necklace can be a highlight of life for both the giver and receiver of the gift. This year, if you are in the market for a nice pearl necklace, or other piece of jewelry start you search now and look for great deals.