Japanese Cultured Akoya Pearls
to
52
173
89
71
65
50
243
186
72
18
11
1
98
145
1
1
5
8
5
7
6
35
193
48
3
134
32
23
7
2
to
75
20
19
18
3
60
49
23
5
4
2
1
243
1
180
33
Sort By
Diamond Platinum Quatrefoil Post Earrings with Baroque Silver Akoya Pearl Drops
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
silver-blue Japanese saltwater cultured (i.e., Akoya) pearls dangling from pointy little platinum
Category
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Timeless Vintage 18k Gold Modernist Necklace with Amethyst and Akoya Pearls
Located in Palm Beach, FL
centerpiece. Thirty four 10mm to 10.5mm Japanese Akoya cultured pearls circle the neck and terminate at a
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modernist Choker Necklaces
Materials
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Silver Akoya Pearl 18" Necklace with 14K Carved Lapis Dragon Enhancer Pendant
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
lapis cabochon.
The pearls are gorgeous off-round untreated and undyed Akoya -- Japanese saltwater
Category
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage GIA 16.50ctw Cat
s-Eye Moonstone Diamond Cultured Pearl 4 Strands 14KWG
Located in New York, NY
Multi-Strand Vintage Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearl Bracelet GIA 16.50ctw Cat's-Eye Moonstone
Category
Vintage 1950s Retro Beaded Bracelets
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Moonstone, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Nouveau-Style Dangle Earrings in 18 Karat Gold with Silver Akoya Pearls
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
shepherds hook wire and are hinged over gorgeous little Akoya (cultured Japanese saltwater) pearls, about
Category
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dramatic 52 Inches 3 Strand Cultured Pearl, Colored Stone
Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very out of the ordinary and stylish 52 inch long, three strand Japanese Akoya salt water
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Chrysophrase, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold
Mikimoto 18K White Gold 6.5mm Akoya Pearl Solitaire Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Houston, TX
Japanese Akoya cultured pearl:
Origin: Japanese
Pearl Type: Akoya Cultured
Measurements: 6.50mm in
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.5ct Diamond
Akoya Pearl "Mad Heart" Pendant in Platinum on 14K Omega Chain
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Akoya (Japanese saltwater cultured) pearls; they look great, AND they eliminate the possibility of
Category
Late 20th Century North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gol...
Kent Raible Double Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace, 18 K Gold and Diamond clasp
By Kent Raible
Located in Mossrock, WA
Kent Raible's strand of lustrous Japanese Akoya cultured Pearls are paired with our beautifully
Category
2010s North American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Kent Raible Akoya Pearl Necklace, 18 K Gold and Diamond clasp with Granulation
By Kent Raible
Located in Mossrock, WA
We present to you our short 14.5" strand of lustrous Japanese Akoya cultured Pearls set with our
Category
2010s North American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Yoko London Akoya Classic Row Necklace on 18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Set Clasp
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
specifications such as pearl size and gemstone carat weight.
- 7-7.5mm AA Quality Cultured Japanese Akoya pearls
Category
2010s British Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Assael 18k White Gold Pearl Bubble Cocktail Ring
By Assael
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Japanese Akoya saltwater cultured pearls. Handmade in an 18k white gold setting. South pearls measuring
Category
2010s Modern Cluster Rings
Materials
Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,400 Sale Price
20% Off
"Joyce" Large Turquoise Cameo Pendant on Removable Pearl
Turquoise Necklace
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
alternated vintage baroque Akoya (cultured Japanese saltwater) pearls with graduated turquoise heshi beads
Category
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Turquoise, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 1...
Vintage Antique Mikimoto Pearl Graduated Necklace with Original Box
By Mikimoto
Located in beverly hills, CA
. The necklace features a single strand of Japanese Akoya cultured pearls, numbering 98 and ranging from
Category
Mid-20th Century Choker Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Silver
Peter Suchy .25 Carat Diamond Clasp Pearl White Gold Necklace
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Japanese Akoya cultured pearl necklace with a white gold diamond catch. The true highlight of this piece is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Carved Omphacite Jade Pearl Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Omphacite Jade, 34.13 x 20.26mm, GIA certificate #6183636103
4 Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearls, 3.5 – 9mm
14k
Category
Early 20th Century Brooches
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Elegant 18K Gold Vintage Portrait Pendant/Brooch w/Blue Enamel
Pearl Frame
Located in Palm Beach, FL
edged in a single line of 3.25mm Japanese Akoya cultured pearls. The effect is very aesthetic. For wear
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Pearl Necklace Art Deco Circa 1940s Cultured Akoya Pearls Diamond Clasp 21"
Located in Northampton, MA
This 1940's cultured Akoya pearl necklace showcases 73 luminous and absolutely gorgeous Japanese
Category
Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Japanese Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace w/ Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Bangkok, TH
15-Inch Japanese Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace w/ Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Clasp
Pearl: Japanese
Category
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Japanese Cultured Akoya Pearl Bracelet
By Niletti
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite bracelet is in 18k Yellow Gold features 3.35 Diamond, pave set, 4 rows akoya in 7-71
Category
2010s American Beaded Bracelets
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold
Cultured Akoya Pearl Stick Dangle Modern Earrings 14k Yellow Gold Gift For Women
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern Japanese cultured akoya pearl stick earrings featured in high polished 14k yellow gold. The
Category
2010s Japanese Modern Dangle Earrings
Materials
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Double Strand Akoya Pearls with 3.04 Carat Brazilian Green Tourmalines Art Deco
By Andrew Glassford
Located in Dallas, TX
Double strand necklace of Antique 1950’s Estate Japanese Cultured Akoya Pearls, modernized with
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Tourmaline, Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Japanese Akoya Fine Cultured Pearls
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A fine strand of Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearls measure 20.50 inches long with the largest centre
Category
Vintage 1960s Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold
Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Cordoba, ES
- Japanse Akoya Cultured Pearls
- Country of origin: Japan Sea waters
- Produced by Akoya Oyster
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Stud Earrings
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
Double Strand Fine Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearls
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A fine double strand of AA quality Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearls measures 16 and 17 inches
Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
IRIS PARURE, Akoya Pearl 7.00-8.00mm×25 Fringe Necklace, Japanese Cultured Pearl
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Oriental Pearl
Fine Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A classic Japanese, Saltwater Akoya Pearl Necklace can be worn as a single strand - or you can wear
Category
Vintage 1970s Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
IRIS PARURE, Japanese Akoya Pearl-through Necklace, Beni Akoya Pearl Necklace
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
category: Pearl-through Necklace
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Blue Huge Akoya Pearl, Japanese high-quality Akoya Pearl Brooch
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Category: Pearl Brooch
Features:Blue Huge
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Brooches
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl
Lithos 18K Yellow Gold Cultured Japanese Akoya Pearl Earring
Located in Kirkwood, MO
18K Yellow Gold Cultured Japanese Akoya Pearl Earrings. The Pearls are 7.5 mm - 8.0 mm. The pearls
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lithos 18K 14K Gold Cultured Japanese Akoya Tahitian Black Pearl Earrings
Located in Kirkwood, MO
Lithos 14K & 18K Yellow Gold Cultured Japanese Akoya and Natural Color Tahitian Black Pearl
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings
Materials
Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Cultured Pearls Round, White Color, Yellow Gold
Located in Cordoba, ES
Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearls and 14K yellow gold earrings.
- Country of Origin and Culturing
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Stud Earrings
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
IRIS PARURE, Baroque Pearl, Non Colored
Bleached Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
2010s Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Japanese Non Colored
Bleached Pearl, Beni Akoya Pearl Necklace
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Blue Huge Akoya (Registered) Pearl Necklace, 13.00mm Japanese Pearl
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Blue Huge Akoya (B.H.A.) , Non Colored
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Oriental Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Beni Akoya 7.00mm-8.00mm×120 Pearl Necklace, Japanese Pearl
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Oriental Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Japanese Beni Akoya Pearl Necklace, Heart-shaped Pearl Necklace
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Heart-shaped Akoya Pearl Necklace
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Oriental Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Non Colored&Bleached Japan Pearl, 8.00-8.50mm Akoya Pearl Necklace
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl
IRIS PARURE, 7.00mm-8.00mm×36 Akoya Pearl Necklace, Japan Pearl Fringe Necklace
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Oriental Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Beni Akoya Pearl 7.00-8.00mm×25 Fringe Necklace, Japanese Pearl
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Oriental Pearl
Kian 14K Yellow Gold Garnet and Cultured Japanese Akoya Pearl Crossover Ring
By Kian Design
Located in Kirkwood, MO
Kian 14K Yellow Gold Garnet and Cultured Japanese Akoya Pearl Ring. The garnet bead is 6.4 mm and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Garnet, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
IRIS PARURE, Japanese Non Colored
Non Bleached BENI Akoya Pearl Necklace
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl
Japanese Akoya Pearls with Rubies and Diamonds Gold Bracelet
By Gilberto Cassola
Located in Valenza, AL
Gilberto Cassola 18Kt Yellow Gold Flexible Bracelet with a double row of 7 mm Japanese Cultured
Category
2010s Italian Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Materials
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Paper Clip Cultured 6 - 6.5mm Akoya Pearl Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This cultured Japanese round 6 - 6.5 AAA akoya pearl and 14k yellow gold paper clip necklace. The
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Paper Clip Cultured 6 - 6.5mm Akoya Pearl Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This cultured Japanese round 6 - 6.5 AAA akoya pearl and 14k yellow gold paper clip bracelet. The
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gellner 18KY Gold Japanese Akoya Pearl Ring
Located in Kirkwood, MO
18K Yellow Gold Cultured Natural Japanese Akoya Pearl ring. This is a Gellner ring. The Pearl is
Category
2010s German Contemporary Fashion Rings
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IRIS PARURE Baroque Akoya Pearl 8.0mm Necklace, Non Bleached
Non colored Pearl
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI AKOYA®
Size of Pearl: 7.50mm-8.00mm
Number of Pearl: 145
Category
2010s Japanese Modern Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Oriental Pearl, Cultured Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Akoya Pearl 9.00mm×134 Necklace, Non Colored
Non Bleached Pearl
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
of Japan's three major pearl-producing regions. Sourced from our developed BENI AKOYA (registered
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Oriental Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Akoya Pearl 7.00-7.50mm Necklace, Non Colored
Non Bleached Pearl
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Akoya pearl 10.00mm×81 Necklace, Non Colored
Non Bleached Pearl
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
by IRIS PARURE
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Oriental Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Akoya 9.50mm×82 Pearl Necklace, Non Colored
Non Bleached Pearl
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Oriental Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Akoya Pearl 7.00-7.50mm Necklace, Non Colored
Non Bleached Pearl
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl
IRIS PARURE, Akoya Pearl 7.00-7.50mm Necklace, Non Colored
Non Bleached Pearl
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet MDQ10054ADXK
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
18 karat yellow gold Akoya cultured pearl and diamond bracelet. Pearls cultured from Japan
Pearl
Category
2010s Charm Bracelets
IRIS PARURE Beni Akoya 8.5mm×94 Pearl Necklace, Non Colored
Non Bleached Pearl
By IRIS PARURE
Located in Ehime, JP
Creator: IRIS PARURE
Pearl farm: Ehime, Uwajima, JAPAN
Features:Non Colored & Non Bleached, BENI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Oriental Pearl
Akoya Pearl and Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A lovely Akoya Pearl and Diamond White Gold Ring. This Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearl is encircled
Category
Late 20th Century American More Rings
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Akoya Pearls Bacelet with Rubies and Diamonds Gold Clasp
By Gilberto Cassola
Located in Valenza, AL
18Kt Yellow Gold Bracelet with a triple row of 9.50 mm Japanese Cultured Natural Pearls Akoya.
Top
Category
2010s Italian Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Materials
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
- 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Japanese Cultured Akoya Pearls", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Japanese Cultured Akoya Pearls For Sale on 1stDibs
Browse a vast assortment of japanese cultured akoya pearls for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 12 vintage editions and 54 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 20th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Contemporary and Modern are consistently popular styles when it comes to japanese cultured akoya pearls. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Yoko London, Mikimoto and Ella Gafter are consistently popular. A selection of round cut, uncut and brilliant cut can be found today on these pages. If you’re browsing the variety of japanese cultured akoya pearls for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.
How Much are Japanese Cultured Akoya Pearls?
Prices for japanese cultured akoya pearls can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $99 and can go as high as $37,500, while japanese cultured akoya pearls, on average, fetch $1,628.
The Legacy of Pearl in Jewelry Design
The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn what to look for when shopping for vintage and antique pearl jewelry as well as how to tell the origin of a pearl with our handy primer.
Every woman at some point in her life desires a simple strand of pearls. They are elegant, timeless, versatile — just ask Coco Chanel or Jacqueline Kennedy — and valuable. In 1917, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand of natural pearls for a Fifth Avenue mansion, the Cartier brand’s flagship store ever since. And if you were born in the beginning of summer, pearl is the June birthstone.
It is possible to tell where a pearl originated from its appearance. Akoyas are usually round and white — the classic pearl, if you will. South Sea pearls are normally larger and vary in color; orangey yellow ones are not uncommon. Tahitian pearls are mostly black but can also be gray or brown, and between the Akoya and the South Sea varieties in size. Freshwater pearls, or Orientals, run the gamut in terms of color and size, but in shape, they tend to resemble Rice Krispies. Another important distinction is a round pearl versus a baroque pearl. A round pearl is self-explanatory, but there are two types of baroque pearls: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In general, the symmetrical variation commands a higher valuation. Within a strand of pearls, uniformity is prized — the more the individual pearls resemble one another, the more valuable the strand.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the earliest recorded mention of a pearl was in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. Centuries later, Christopher Columbus made it a point to visit pearl fisheries during his 15th-century exploration of the Caribbean. Since the late-19th century, the Japanese have been at the forefront of cultivating pearls, when jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl in 1893.
On 1stDibs, find vintage and antique pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other accessories.
Questions About Japanese Cultured Akoya Pearls
- What are Akoya cultured pearls?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Akoya cultured pearls are pearls that come from Pinctada fucata martensii oysters. These molluscs are commonly referred to as Akoya oysters, accounting for the name of the pearls. The word “cultured” means that the pearls are real but were produced by oysters with the help of human intervention. Cultured pearls are very common, as naturally occurring pearls are extremely rare. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of pearl jewelry.
More Ways To Browse
1930s Japan
Japanese Farm
15 Inch Pearl Necklace
Cartier Silver Bracelet
Japanese Blue Akoya
Mikimoto Diamond Black Pearl
Mikimoto Jewlery Box
1960 Mikimoto Pearl Necklace
Tiffany Beetle
Tiffany Cushion Bangle
Tiffany Diamond Bar Brooch
Tiffany Diamond Feather Brooch
Tiffany Diamond Leaf Earrings
Tiffany Dog Chain
Tiffany Jasper
Tiffany Lapis Bracelet
Tiffany Love Bangle
Tiffany Maple Leaf