Search
Classic Japanese Akoya Pearls · Since 1950

Akoya Pearls

The classic. Mirror-bright luster, perfectly round, cultured in Japan. Hover any collection to see it in motion.

See Akoya pearls vs. your skin tone →
Akoya Pearl Necklaces

Akoya Pearl Necklaces

Classic white strands

Shop Now →
Akoya Pearl Earrings

Akoya Pearl Earrings

Mirror-bright studs & hoops

Shop Now →
Akoya Pearl Pendants

Akoya Pearl Pendants

Single luminous pearls

Shop Now →
Akoya Pearl Bracelets

Akoya Pearl Bracelets

Everyday pearl bracelets

Shop Now →
Akoya Pearl Tin Cup Necklaces

Akoya Pearl Tin Cup Necklaces

Station-style necklaces

Shop Now →

Akoya pearls are the classic round, bright-white saltwater cultured pearls — famous for their mirror-like lustre and typically 6–9mm — grown in Japan. American Pearl offers Akoya necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets direct at wholesale prices with free shipping.

What Are Akoya Pearls?

Akoya are saltwater cultured pearls grown mainly in Japan. They are prized for the sharp, mirror-like lustre and round shape most people picture when they imagine a pearl, which makes them the traditional choice for strands and studs.

Sizes and Colours

Akoya pearls usually range from about 6mm to 9mm. The classic colour is white with rose or silver overtones; cream is also common, and black Akoya pearls achieve their dark colour through treatment.

How to Judge Akoya Quality

Look at lustre first — the sharper the reflection, the better — then surface cleanliness, roundness, colour and nacre thickness. Higher grades combine bright lustre with clean, round pearls.

Shop Akoya Pearls at Wholesale Prices

We sell Akoya jewellery direct, and most pieces can be customized. Every order includes free shipping and a complimentary gift box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Akoya pearls?

Akoya are round, bright-white saltwater cultured pearls grown mainly in Japan, known for their sharp, mirror-like lustre. They are the classic pearl used in traditional strands and studs.

What size are Akoya pearls?

Most Akoya pearls fall between about 6mm and 9mm. Larger sizes are rarer and more valuable.

What colours do Akoya pearls come in?

Classic white with rose or silver overtones, plus cream. Black Akoya pearls get their colour through treatment.

How do I judge Akoya pearl quality?

Start with lustre (sharper reflections are better), then surface cleanliness, roundness, colour and nacre thickness.

Akoya vs freshwater pearls — what is the difference?

Akoya are round saltwater pearls with sharper lustre; freshwater pearls are more affordable, come in more shapes and colours, and are grown in lakes and rivers.

Explore More

Kokichi Mikimoto's cultured pearl is the result of decades of painstaking experimentation and research from the Akoya pearl oyster. Previously, pearls were made by the oyster's defense against natural irritants (a shell fragment, a parasite), releasing layer upon layer of silky "nacre" to wrap the object, hardening to a crystalline shimmer. He has taken this pearl process a step further, introducing a foreign object in the pearl oyster to provoke the process. Now man - and Mother Nature - can create the pearl gem. He has created the pearl oyster farm. From this, the seed of the Akoya cultured pearl, and an entire industry is sown. Akoya pearls are now an essential element in any woman's wardrobe; from the elegant single strand to the power-dressing double pearl and the aristocratic triple pearl strand. As well as glorious gift ideas, the following section shows how to build your own Akoya pearl necklace and the grading system for these classic pearls.

The Original Cultured Pearl

The cultured Akoya pearl is the result of decades of painstaking experimentation and research on the Akoya pearl oyster by Kokichi Mikimoto. Previously, pearls formed only from the oyster’s natural defense against irritants, releasing layer upon layer of silky nacre that hardens to a crystalline shimmer. By introducing a bead into the oyster to provoke the process, he made the cultured pearl — and an entire industry — possible.

Akoya pearls are an essential element of any wardrobe — from the elegant single strand to the power-dressing double strand and the aristocratic triple strand. Explore our classic Akoya necklaces, earrings, pendants and bracelets, all graded on the GIA Pearl Grading System.

Your Bag

Subtotal$0