Everything you need to know about Akoya Pearls
Key Takeaways
- Akoya pearls are cultured from the Pinctada fucata pearl shell, smaller than the Pinctada maxima (South Sea) pearl shell.
- Akoya pearls thrive in cooler waters like Japan, Vietnam, Korea and southern part of Australia like our Broken Bay Pearl Farm.
- A nucleus and mantle tissues are carefully inserted into the pearl shell via a pearl technician, and this produces an Akoya pearl over time.
- Australian Akoya pearls range from 4mm to 8mm in size.
- Renowned for their bright lustre, and variety of tones, Akoa pearls come in shades of white, cream, blue, pink, and silver.
Summarise this article
At Pearls of Australia we farm two types of pearls, the Pinctada maxima (Australian South Sea Pearl), and the Pinctada fucata (Akoya Pearl) which form part of the Akoya oyster complex. While the Akoya may be smaller than its Australian South Sea cousin, it still holds its own when it comes to the beautiful jewellery that these pearls are set into. In this article, we take a closer look at everything you need to know about Akoya pearls and explain the difference between them and their generally larger counterparts.
Where are Akoya pearls found?
Akoya pearls are a type of Saltwater pearl formed by the Akoya pearl shell – called the Pinctada fucata. These pearl shell thrive in cooler water and are traditionally cultivated in Japan, Vietnam and Korea. Here in Australia, the waterways of Broken Bay Pearl Farm offer an ideal environment to sustainably cultivate our Akoya pearls.
One of the major reasons Japan remains such a stronghold for Akoya pearl farming is the pioneering work of Kokichi Mikimoto, the son of a noodle shop owner who became the first to successfully cultivate pearls. His legacy helped shape the global pearl industry, and while China was once a major Akoya pearl produced, today the majority come from Japan and increasingly, from Australian pearl farms like ours.
Unlike freshwater pearl shell, which can produce dozen of pearls at once, Akoya pearl shell typically yield just one or two pearls per cultivation period, making each pearl exceptionally rare.
How are Akoya pearls formed?
The formation of an Akoya pearl behind with the process of nucleation, also known as seeding. A small bead composed of shell alongside a piece of mantle tissue is placed inside the pearl shell. Over time, the pearl shell responds to this nucleus by coating it with layers of nacre – a substance secreted as part of the pearl shell’s natural defense mechanism.
This nucleus becomes the core of the pearl, and thanks to its round shape, this helps the Akoya pearl to be formed with beautiful symmetry. Their brilliant lustre is the result of years of nacre layering the nucleus in the cool, clear waters of Broken Bay Pearl Farm.
What makes Broken Bay grown Australian Akoya pearls unique?
While Akoya pearls are grown in several different regions around the world, pearls from Broken Bay Pearl Farm carry a distinctly Australian origin. Our pearl farm is located where the lower Hawkesbury River meets the sea, creating a unique, nutrient-rich environment for oyster health and pearl cultivation.
These pristine waters not only support the growth of high quality pearls, they also sustain a thriving ecosystem. Our farming methods are designed to work in harmony with our environment, with a focus on sustainability and biodiversity protection.
What sustainability practices do Broken Bay Pearl Farm follow?
At Broken Bay Pearl Farm, we’re committed to environmentally responsible farming practices. Our oysters are intrinsically sustainable – they act as natural filters, improving water quality as they grow. We use low-impact farming methods, minimising waste, and closely monitor the health of the local ecosystem.
We believe that sustainable pearl farming doesn’t just produce better pearls (which is does!), it supports a healthier ocean for future generations. That’s why all our pearls are traceable and our jewellery is made with transparency from shell to showroom.
What size are Akoya pearls?
Since the Akoya pearl shell is the smallest of all Saltwater pearl producing shell, the pearls they do produce are naturally on the more petite side.
Most Akoya pearls range between 4mm to 8mm. By comparison, South Sea pearls (grown in larger pearl shell like at our sister farm in Cygnet Bay) can reach up to 20mm and beyond!
This smaller size makes Akoya pearls suited for delicate pearl jewellery designs and for those who prefer a more understated, classic look.
How expensive are Akoya pearls?
In terms of pricing, Akoya pearls sit comfortably in the middle. They’re generally more valuable that freshwater pearls, therefore more expensive but more affordable than other Saltwater pearl varieties like South Sea or Tahitian pearls.
This makes them an excellent choice for someone seeking refined, ocean-grown jewellery that you know has been ethically sourced without the premium price tag.
What colours do Akoya pearls come in?
While most people think of white when they picture an Akoya pearl, these precious gems come in a range of tones. Their colour is largely influenced by the environment and the oyster’s diet, and at Broken Bay Pearl Farm, we see a variety of naturally occuring tones including:
- White
- Cream
- Blue
- Pink
- Silver
These colour can be styled in countless ways, blue and silver Akoya pearls pair beautifully with white gold and silver jewellery for a contemporary, while pink or cream pearls suit yellow gold and rose gold jewellery. Classic white pearls remaind a go-to choice for timeless styling, and as bridal jewellery.
Do Akoya pearls have more lustre than other pearls?
Yes, they do have more lustre than other pearls. One of the defining features of Akoya pearls is their exceptional lustre. This quality refers to the amount of light reflected from the pearl’s surface, and in Akoya’s that reflection is often sharp.
This high lustre is one of the reasons why Akoya pearls are so beloved in jewellery. Their lustrous surface enhances their natural beauty, especially in pieces like pearl studs, pendants, and strand necklaces.
A pearl with high lustre will always appear more radiant than one with low lustre, so it’s worth paying attention to when choosing your perfect pearl.
What shapes do Akoya pearls come in?
Akoya pearls are mostly round, which are especially desirable for traditional jewellery designs and settings. However, at Broken Bay Pearl Farm we also celebrate the beauty of more organic shapes like:
- Baroque
- Button
- Drop
- Oval
to name a few!
These unique pearl shapes bring character and individuality to each piece.
Can I visit Broken Bay Pearl Farm?
Yes, you can! Broken Bay Pearl Farm is open to visitors, and we love sharing our story. Join us for one of our pearl farm tours, learn about pearling firsthand, and you can even enjoy an oyster tasting while overlooking the very waters where our pearls are grown.
It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with the source, understand the process, and discover how every pearl and oyster has a story.
How to style your Akoya pearls?
When it comes to styling your Akoya pearls, there’s no right or wrong way. Think about the colour of your pearls and how they work with your outfit. For example:
- Pink or cream pearls look great with warmer colours.
- Silver or blue pearls look create with monochrome looks.
- White pearls are endlessly versatile, and often a staple for bridal jewellery.
The next thing to consider is the neckline you’re wearing. High necklines pair well with pearl drop earrings or a simple strand, while scoop necklines look great with a statement necklace. No matter how you style them, Akoya pearls bring effortless elegance to every outfit.
Akoya Pearls FAQs
Broken Bay Akoya pearls are grown in Australia, using sustainable and low-impact methods. Japanese Akoya pearls are grown in Japan.
Yes, Akoya pearls are real pearls. They are genuine cultured pearls formed within the Pinctada fucata pearl shell. The term “cultured” means the pearl is grown with human intervention, while the term “natural” refers to a pearl forming without human intervention.
Australian Akoya pearls grown at Broken Bay Pearl Farm are real pearls with real layers of nacre, natural lustre and colour, and never chemically treated. We only sell genuine cultured pearls, direct from our own pearl farms, with Certificates of Authenticity so you can be assured that each Akoya pearl is genuinhe.
Absolutely! All our Akoya pearls are fully traceable from the ocean to our showroom, offering peace of mind when it comes to authenticity and sustainably sourcing.
In addition to pearl farm tours and oyster tastings, we also offer special events like Pearls and Plates at Broken Bay – a seasonal experience at Broken Bay Pearl Farm.
High-quality Akoya pearl necklaces in Australia are best purchased through specialist pearl retailers that provide clear origin details, grading information, and authenticity through the form of documentation or certification. Buying from a pearl retailer ensures you are getting genuine Akoya pearls rather than imitation or mislabelled pearls.
Broken Bay Pearl Farm cultivates Australian Akoya pearls, and finished Akoya pearl necklaces are available at our Shellar Door, at our other Pearls of Australia locations and online. All our locations only showcase Akoya pearl jewellery featuring Akoya pearls from Broken Bay, and have supporting Certificates of Authenticity with each pearl jewellery purchase.
When buying Akoya pearl necklaces online, we recommend looking for:
- Akoya pearl type clearly identified
- Australian, Vietnamese or Japanese origin disclosure
- Grading described
- Precious metal clasps and settings
- Traceability and provenance information
- Certificates of Authenticity
- Specialist pearl knowledge and care guidance
At Broken Bay Pearl Farm, we are proud to offer all the above so you can confidently purchase a high-quality Akoya pearl necklace. To shop Akoya pearl necklaces online, visit our Pearls of Australia website.
The top-rated Akoya pearl jewellery brands in Australia typically specialise in pearls rather than generalist jewellery stores.
Pearls of Australia, the retail arm of Broken Bay Pearl Farm, is recognised for its timeless Akoya pearl jewellery collections and transparent pearl grading and origin. Brands closely connected to pearl farms generally provide stronger assurance around provenance and are able to provide detailed pearl information.
Top Akoya pearl brands usually offer:
- Direct or farm connected sourcing
- Clear pearl grading criteria
- Traceability information
- Educational resources about pearls
- After-sales care support
- Certificates of Authenticity
Akoya pearls, including those grown here at Broken Bay Pearl Farm, are saltwater pearls known for their bright, mirror-like lustre. They are typically more valuable than freshwater pearls because cultivation is more selective and yields are lower per pearl shell.
Freshwater pearls are generally more affordable and available in a wider range of shapes and sizes.
Both pearl types are real, cultured pearls.
Authentic Akoya pearl earrings in Australia are best purchased from pearl specialists that clearly identify pearl type and can guarantee origin.
Broken Bay Pearl Farm produces Australian Akoya pearls, and authentic pearl earrings are available at our Shellar Door and through our Pearls of Australia website.
When choosing where to buy Akoya pearl earrings, we recommend looking for:
- Akoya pearl type disclosure
- Origin or farm connection
- Lustre and grading information
- Quality metals, and hallmarks
- Pearl care guidance
- Certificates of Authenticity
Specialist pearl retailers, particularly those that know where their pearls are sourced, can provide greater confidence than general jewellery outlets when purchasing fine pearl earrings.
Whether you’re discovering Akoya pearl for the first time, or adding to a growing collection, Broken Bay Pearl Farm is proud to share a truly Australian pearl experience with your.
Explore our collection of Akoya pearl jewellery today, and take home a piece of the ocean.