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Akoya Pearls Versus Freshwater Pearls

Some obvious differences and some not so obvious differences.

 

Here’s what this is all about:

1) As you may have noticed. Freshwater pearl jewelry is less expensive.
And you know the Akoya pearl is more expensive

A few reasons for this difference, one the freshwater pearl is easier to grow. Freshwater pearls are easier to grow because the process of nucleation is different and easier. The amount of nucleation per mollusk is much more in the freshwater pearl mussel (at one time 40 to 50) the most an akoya can produce might be 4 or 5 and I don’t think they do that often because quality goes down and mortality goes up. Freshwater mussels can be nucleated again with less mortality than the one time for akoyas. There is more control over the environment, ponds and streams as opposed to ocean water, which has typhoons and red tides to contend with.

2) Of course,  Akoya Pearls are mostly round in shape.
And needless to say, Freshwater pearls are rarely round shaped.

The Akoya is nucleated with a round bead made from a freshwater mussel shell that is made round to begin with. The Freshwater mussel is nucleated with a piece of soft tissue, usually just a flat piece, or many flat pieces.

3) The freshwater pearl earring is solid nacre.
Here’s something you probably don’t know about…an Akoya Pearl Necklace has a bead core made of shell and only a coating of nacre, as thin as 1mm.

See above, the soft tissue that the freshwater mussel is nucleated with is absorbed leaving a pearl of solid nacre, more like natural pearls. The Akoya is nucleated with a shell bead of some size, and only allowed to develop nacre for a limited time before harvesting. The length of time is limited only by the cultivator’s desire for quicker harvests.

4) A benefit of thicker nacre means that a freshwater pearl necklace will last longer.
Truth be told, low grade akoya pearl necklaces with a thin coating of nacre often chip and or wear off.

As you can imagine, a freshwater pearl with solid nacre has nothing to chip away; whereas, an Akoya pearl is possibly only a coating of as little as 1mm, so it can easily be worn or chipped.

5) The better grades of Akoya Pearl Jewelry have a higher luster compared to freshwater  jewelry pearls.
A Freshwater pearl bracelet can have “orient’, a rainbow iridescence noticed on heirloom or natural pearls. An Akoya pearl bracelet does not have this.

The nacre or mother of pearl of the Akoya has a grater luster or glow. The Freshwater pearl can have a trait called “orient” which is a shimmering of a rainbow of color, like the way that oil looks on water. Orient is seen on natural saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls; but, not on Akoya cultured pearls.

So it adds up to this: Things they are a changing’. From keshi pearls called rice crispies because that’s what they look like, to gem grade pearls. Freshwater jewelry pearls are now rivaling Akoya jewelry pearls in beauty.
Freshwater pearl jewelry is changing rapidly. A Freshwater pearl necklace will last longer, and be tomorrow’s heirloom. Freshwater Pearls are gaining in quality and popularity.

 

About the Author

More types of jewelry pearls Patrick Cavanaugh writes about pearls .

Pure Pearls Freshwater Tin Cup Necklace

GORGEOUS VINTAGE BLACK ONYX STONE FRESHWATER PEARL 17″ NECKLACE FREE US SHIPPING $14.99

AAA+ Genuine 8-9mm White Pearl Necklace 14K Gold 16″ Cultured Freshwater $99.99

THREE STRAND FRESHWATER BLACK PEARL NECKLACE -nk187 $39.86

Garnet Hill Necklace with Freshwater Pearl – Brand New $20.49

3-9mm white Freshwater Pearl Round Necklace 17″ $9.99

NEW Elegant Tourmaline Freshwater Pearl Necklace c25 $33.28

RED FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE 30″ $0.99

Cultured Freshwater 7-8mm White Pearl Necklace 20″ LONG Genuine $24.99

8 MM AAA FRESHWATER LAVENDER PEARL NECKLACE -nk186 $14.86

Fashion jewelry Set 18K Gold Plated Black Freshwater Pearl Necklace Earring $16.99

3 ROWS AA 7-8MM WHITE BLACK FRESH WATER ROUND PEARL NECKLACE $33.00

3 ROWS AA 7-8MM WHITE BLACK FRESH WATER ROUND PEARL NECKLACE $33.00

3 ROWS AA 7-8MM WHITE BLACK FRESH WATER ROUND PEARL NECKLACE $35.00

3 ROWS AA 7-8MM WHITE BLACK FRESH WATER ROUND PEARL NECKLACE $37.00

3 ROWS AA 7-8MM WHITE BLACK FRESH WATER ROUND PEARL NECKLACE $39.00

3 ROWS AA 7-8MM WHITE BLACK FRESH WATER ROUND PEARL NECKLACE $41.00

3 ROWS AA 7-8MM WHITE BLACK FRESH WATER ROUND PEARL NECKLACE $35.00

3 ROWS AA 7-8MM WHITE BLACK FRESH WATER ROUND PEARL NECKLACE $37.00

3 ROWS AA 7-8MM WHITE BLACK FRESH WATER ROUND PEARL NECKLACE $39.00

3 ROWS AA 7-8MM WHITE BLACK FRESH WATER ROUND PEARL NECKLACE $41.00

stunning 8mm baroque gold freshwater cultured pearl necklace $2.00

stunning 8mm round black freshwater cultured pearl necklace $9.99

Beautiful 17″ Freshwater White Biwa Pearl Necklace | AAA SERVICE $9.99

stunning long 50″ 8mm round Tahiti black freshwater cultured pearl necklace $24.99

Elegant White Freshwater Pearl & Shell Pendant Necklace $4.30

17.5″ 4-5mm Dark Red Freshwater Pearl Ball Necklace A $9.00

AAA+ Genuine Cultured Freshwater Peach 9-10mm Pearl Necklace Earrings SET Silver $199.99

best buy beautiful 8-9mm white fresh water cultured akoya pearl necklace 18″ $0.01

Fashion 18″ White Freshwater Pearl & Crystal Necklace Ring a4802 $0.65

47″ 6-7mm Teal Baroque Freshwater Pearl Necklace Strand Dyed Color $4.35

Fashion Set White & Freshwater Pearl Necklace Earring a10051 $0.26

Freshwater 8-9mm White Pearl Necklace 16″ Silver Lobster Clasp Genuine Cultured $24.99

4 Rows freshwater pearl & shell flower Necklace $0.01

Brand New DV ITALY Freshwater Pearl Gold Plated Silver Necklace Weight 50.8g. $209.00

Fashion black freshwater pearl necklace bracelet earring set a25-34 $0.59

Fashion jewelry 3 Strands White Freshwater Pearl & Turquoise Necklace $18.99

☀Set☀ Beautiful JEWELRY 10S white Freshwater Pearl Necklace & dangle EARRINGS $0.99

17.5″ 7580mm Medium Blue Freshwater Pearl Necklace NA $7.00

48″ 3 Strands White Freshwater Pearl Necklace $22.95

17-20″ 7-8mm White Freshwater Pearl & Jade Necklace $24.99

Fashion Jewelry white freshwater pearl long necklace $22.95

6-7mm white freshwater pearl necklace $23.95

Fashion White Freshwater Pearl & Turquoise Necklace a7908 $0.26

Beautiful 8 rows 6-7mm brown freshwater pearl necklace $36.99

5 rows white freshwater pearl necklace $29.99

7 rows 6-7mm black white freshwater pearl necklace $36.99

Fashion Jewelry 4 rows 6-7mm black freshwater pearl necklace $25.99

4rows black freshwater pearl necklace bracelet earring $27.95

3 Rows Freshwater Pearl Green Jade Necklace $23.59

set 3 rows white freshwater pearl necklace bracelet $25.95

3 ROWS white freshwater pearl pink jade necklace $25.95

6 rows 6-7mm white freshwater pearl agate necklace $31.59

NEW white freshwater pearl turquoise agate necklace $25.99

3 rows black white freshwater pearl necklace 17-19″ $22.99

Rare 8 Rows White Freshwater Pearl Pink Coral Necklace $38.99

Set Freshwater Pearl Necklace Earring $23.59

Fashion Jewelry 3 Strands White Freshwater Pearl Necklace $24.95

White Freshwater Pearl&Gold Sand Stone Necklace set $24.59

Fashion Jewelry White Freshwater Pearl & Black Agate Necklace $25.95

Fashion 17″ White Freshwater Pearl & Pink Jade Necklace a7935 $0.56

3 strands black white freshwater pearl long necklace $24.59

Fashion White Freshwater Pearl & agate Shell Flower Necklace a7903 $0.58

46″ 7-10mm Multi Color Freshwater akoya Pearl Necklace A-71 $5.95

CULTURED FRESHWATER PEARL& AMETHYST &GARNET NECKLACE $15.00

Genuine Black Onyx, Freshwater Pearl & Shell Multi Strand Gemstone 18″ Necklace $144.00

4PCS Multicolor freshwater pearl pendant necklaces $0.88

8-9 MM Genuine freshwater white pearl necklace18″ $7.99

Freshwater 8-9mm Pearl Necklace Bracelet & Earrings Set | GREAT GIFT $0.99

40″ White Freshwater Pearl Black Jasper Necklace  $20.00

18″ 9-11mm 5Row White Freshwater Pearl Necklace Yellow Suede Rope $9.50

Genuine 13mm pink freshwater pearl necklace $45.00

6 STRAND VINTAGE GENUINE FRESH WATER PEARL NECKLACE GOL $19.99

Diva Tahitian Style Baroque Fresh Water Pearl & Leather Necklace “FREE SHIPPING” $79.99

Wholesale Lot of 23 8-9mm Freshwater Pearl Heart Pendant Necklace Jewelry $13.99

GENUINE 60 INCHES LONG CULTURED FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE $25.00

GENUINE CULTURED FRESHWATER PEARL LARIAT NECKLACE $9.99

59 INCHES LONG GENUINE BAROQUE CULTURED FRESHWATER PEARL & RED QUARTZ NECKLACE $7.99

59″ LONG BLACK GRAY CULTURED FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE $12.99

BIG 10*12MM RICE SHAPE NATURAL WHITE FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE & BRACELE SET $14.50

67″ LONG PINK CULTURED FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE NEW $14.99

GENUINE BIG CALABASH WHITE FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE $5.50

STUNNING REAL WHITE AND BLACK FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE $9.99

Fashion Set White Freshwater Pearl & Green Jade Necklace Earring a10349 $0.56

1 strand 15″ natural freshwater pearl oval bead for necklace 4-5mm pick color $4.50

white freshwater pearl narture jade necklace $19.99

Sterling Silver & Pink Freshwater Rice Pearl Strand Necklace 925 Bracelet Peach $35.00

Fashion jewelry Set White Freshwater Pearl Earring Ring Necklace $18.99

100″ LONG WHITE BAROQUE FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE NEW $19.99

Wholesale Lot 25 7.5-8mm Freshwater Pearl Cross Pendant Necklace Jewelry $18.99

NIB Genuine Freshwater 9-10mm White Pearls 18″ Necklace 14K Maria-Theresa Reef $85.00

14K YELLOW GOLD KNOTTED PINK PEACH CULTURED FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE & MATCHING $39.99

Beautiful 17″ 8-9mm Blue Freshwater Pearl Necklace | FINDINGJEWELRY $0.99

Biwa Pearls / Freshwater Pearls Necklace(N 58) $12.95

LONG FANCY COLORED FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE $21.99

MULTI COLOR STERLING SILVER KNOTTED CULTURED FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE & MATCHIN $29.99

VINTAGE FRESH WATER BAROQUE PEARL NECKLACE $9.99

50″ 5-20mm Dark Red Black Baroque Freshwater Pearl Necklace Strand $20.00

5 STRAND FRESHWATER PEARL&AMETHYST BEADED NECKLACE $16.14

Genuine 7-7.5mm Multi Strand White Pearl Necklace 18 Cultured Freshwater $39.99

AA+Natural Orange FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE $4.99

David’s Bridal SS Freshwater Pearl Illusion Necklace Style sa8362-fpl-16e Create a look of dynamic dimension for the allure you re looking for. Elegance will encircle you in a fabulous design of freshwater pearls. This necklace measure 16″ in length and comes with a 3 ” extender allowing this necklace to be worn at different lengths….

Cathy’s Concepts Freshwater Pearl Pendant Jewelry Set $21.72 A charming gift for girls of every age, our Personalized Freshwater Pearl Pendant Jewelry Set will look beautiful on everyone from college girls and friends to mothers and grandmothers. Classically designed, this silver-plated metal earrings and necklace set becomes an instant keepsake when it is engraved with a customized monogram on a silver pendant. Set includes pierced earrings and a matching …

Freshwater Pearl & Crystal Y-Necklace Jewelry Set Make a statement without saying a word with our Freshwater Pearl & Crystal Y-Necklace Jewelry Set. Freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals sparkle together amazingly to create a one of a kind look. Made of sterling silver, this elegant earrings and neckl Details: Size: Necklace measures 16 inches long. Fish hook earrings measure 1 inch long. Materials: Sterling silver, freshwater pearls and Swaro…

19 Triple Line Necklace of Green Freshwater Pearls with Silver Tone Accents and a Toggle Clasp $33.00 Handmade by the Crafters at Guardian Village Handicrafts. The purchase of this item insures employment for women and underprivileged families of Nepal….

19 Triple Line Purple Freshwater Pearl and Crystal Necklace with Silver Tone Accents and a Toggle Clasp $10.00 Handmade by the Crafters at Guardian Village Handicrafts. The purchase of this item insures employment for women and underprivileged families of Nepal….

Lilly Ruth Beautiful Handmade Girls 925 Sterling Silver Heart Charm on Necklace and Matching Bracelet Set on Freshwater Pearls Comes in Fancy Gift Bag $159.95 Beautiful handcrafted from 925 silver. Children’s Fine Jewelry is hard to find these days. Surprise your special little girl with this beautiful handcrafed set from our Sterling Silver Collection. More like this at Ks Charming Designs….

Skyline Silver SN-1198 Gold and Black Freshwater Pearl Necklace Skyline Silver SN-1198 Features: -Gold and Black Freshwater Pearl Necklace. -16″ long. -Polished finish. -Features two strands of gold and black dyed pearls. -Spring-ring clasp….

Making Designer Freshwater Pearl Jewelry: Techniques and Projects for Creating Classic, Contemporary, and Casual Jewelry $5.79 Throughout time, people have been fascinated and bewitched by the pearl; its luster, purity, and perfection. It has been featured in jewelry since early civilization and has adorned kings and queens, first ladies, and movie stars. The power of pearls is their remarkable ability to bestow upon the wearer a sense of mystery, elegance, and grace. In contemporary fashion, the technical ability to crea…

David’s Bridal Sterling Silver Baroque Freshwater Pearl Necklace Style SA10808 Ease into excellence and delve into breathtaking splendor. This baroque pearl strand redefines classic elegance. Add a fresh take on a traditional style when wearing this baroque pearl strand. What better way to accessorize on that special day. This beautiful necklace is available in white, peacock or pink in lengths 18″ to 36″ and would make a lovely thank you gift for your bridesmaids. Peacock i…

David’s Bridal SS Freshwater Pearl and Crystal Necklace Style sa12997m16e $26.00 Add a lustrous beauty to your look. This multi layered necklace is strung with freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. Delicate and beautiful you ll look on your special day. This necklace measures 16″ in length with a 3″ extender allowing you to wear it at different lengths on the neckline. Necklace shipped with a pouch for gift giving….

Freshwater Pearl Necklace 36” $80 36″, 6-6mm white freshwater pearl necklace.

Dyed Chocolate Freshwater Pearl Necklace $97 Dyed Chocolate Freshwater Pearl Necklace

Freshwater Pearl and Swarovski Crystal Necklace N 8209 $139.5 Freshwater Pearl and Swarovski Crystal Necklace

N0121 Thai Silk Necklace with Freshwater Coins Freshwater Pearls & Swarovski Crystals $34 Thai silk necklace with freshwater coins freshwater pearls & Swarovski crystals

17′ Freshwater Pearl Tin Cup Necklace $279 17 Freshwater Pearl Tin Cup Necklace

18in White Freshwater Potato Rice Pearl Necklace $69.95 18in White Freshwater Potato & Rice Pearl Necklace.

Freshwater Pearl & Swarovski Crystal Necklace N8251 $37.5 Freshwater Pearl & Swarovski Crystal Necklace

N8254 Freshwater Pearl & Swarovski Crystal Necklace $42 Freshwater Pearl & Swarovski Crystal Necklace

Freshwater Pearl and Swarovski Crystal Necklace N8207 $99.5 N 8207 Freshwater Pearl and Swarovski Crystal Necklace

Couture Freshwater Pearl Illusion Necklace N 8192 $137.5 N 8192 Couture Freshwater Pearl Illusion Necklace

Cream Colored Freshwater Keshi Pearl Necklace 8521 $44.99 Cream Colored Freshwater Keshi Pearl Necklace 8521

60 Inch Multi 6-6.5mm Freshwater Pearls Necklace $100 60 Inch multi 6-6.5mm freshwater pearls necklace.

20 Inch Multi 6-6.5mm Freshwater Pearls Necklace $60 20 Inch multi 6-6.5mm freshwater pearls necklace.

36 Inch Multi 6-6.5mm Freshwater Pearls Necklace $80 36 Inch multi 6-6-5mm freshwater pearls necklace.

20” 6-6.5mm Chocolate Freshwater Pearls Necklace $60 20 Inch 6-6.5mm chocolate freshwater pearls necklace.

18 Inch 7-8mm White Freshwater Pearls Necklace $60 18 Inch, 7-8mm white freshwater pearls necklace.

18 Inch 7-8mm Black Freshwater Pearls Necklace $60 18 Inch 7-8mm black freshwater pearls necklace.

60 Inch 6-6.5mm Multi Freshwater Pearls Necklace $100 60 Inch 6-6.5mm multi freshwater pearls necklace.

36” Chocolate 6-6.5mm Freshwater Pearls Necklace $80 36 Inch chocolate 6-6.5mm freshwater pearls necklace.

20 Inch 6-6.5mm Black Freshwater Pearls Necklace $60 20 Inch 6-6.5mm black freshwater pearls necklace.

36 Inch 6-6.5mm Black Freshwater Pearls Necklace $80 36 Inch 6-6.5mm black freshwater pearls necklace.

60 Inch 6-6.5mm Black Freshwater Pearls Necklace $100 60 Inch 6-6.5mm black freshwater pearls necklace.

Sterling Silver 10-11MM Freshwater Pearl Necklace $129 Sterling silver 18″ 10-11mm freshwater pearl necklace.

36 Inch Multi Freshwater Pearls Necklace $80 36 Inch multi freshwater pearls necklace.

18 Inch 7-8mm Green Freshwater Pearls Necklace $60 18 Inch 7-8mm green freshwater pearls necklace.