A Brief History of Pearls: Surface of Akoya Pearls

  A brief history of pearls

SURFACE OF AKOYA PEARLS


Akoya pearls, like other natural and cultured pearls, are judged on several factors. An Akoya pearl's surface is a very important component in determining its value.

Most Akoya pearls are free from heavy blemishes and have clean or extremely clean surfaces. Because Japanese Akoya pearls are subject to strict quality standards, and because these pearls have a relatively short cultivation time, they're not usually at risk of developing more serious blemishes.

Some blemishes that Japanese Akoya pearls may have include:


  • Bumps
  • Circles
  • Spots
  • Pits
  • Wrinkles

These are generally non-damaging blemishes. Although they may affect the value of the pearl, they don't tend to become worse over time.

Damaging blemishes, such as cracks or chips that occur during the sorting or drilling processes, do tend to become worse with time. Naturally, those blemishes negatively affect the value of the pearl and its durability.

How pearls form in oysters
How pearls are harvested
How pearls brought to market
 
Know your Akoya pearls
Akoya Pearl Cultivation
Akoya Pearl Harvesting
Akoya Pearl Processing
Akoya Pearl Evaluation
 
Quality Factor One: Luster
Luster of Akoya Pearls
Quality Factor Two: Surface
Surface of Akoya Pearls
Quality Factor Three: Shape
Shape of Akoya Pearls
Quality Factor Four: Color
Color of Akoya Pearls
Quality Factor Five: Size
Size of Akoya Pearls
 
Know your South Sea pearls
South Sea Pearl Cultivation
South Sea Pearl Harvesting
South Sea Pearl Processing
South Sea Pearl Quality Evaluation
Luster of South Sea Pearls
Surface of South Sea Pearls
Shape of South Sea Pearls
Color of South Sea Pearls
Size of South Sea Pearls
 
Know your Tahitian pearls
Tahitian Pearl Cultivation
Tahitian Pearl Harvesting
Tahitian Pearl Processing
Tahitian Pearl Quality Evaluation
Luster of Tahitian Pearls
Surface of Tahitian Pearls
Shape of Tahitian Pearls
Color of Tahitian Pearls
Size of Tahitian Pearls
 
Gift Giving Occasions


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