Grade Akoya
November 7th, 2010
Akoya Pearls
So what are Akoya pearls?
Akoya pearls are cultured pearls, meaning they are farmed rather than being found naturally occurring in the wild. Wild pearls still exist but are hard and expensive to track down, whereas their cultivated counterparts, produced in freshwater lakes and rivers or seawater rafts, are much more commonplace.They traditionally come from Japan and are naturally white in colour and regarded as the classic pearl due to their perfect shape and attractive qualities.
Because of their beauty Akoya pearls are used for a wide variety of items of jewellery. They are commonly used to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Naturally, necklaces are the most expensive, as they require the most pearls. Bracelets are usually cheaper and of course earrings are obviously more inexpensive due to their size. Although naturally white, they can be coloured to be grey or gold in appearance – so don’t be alarmed if yours are not brilliant white.
What do I need to know when shopping for Akoya pearls?
There are basics you need to get your head round when purchasing Akoya pearls. First of all let’s deal with the jargon: You must find a good luster. This refers to the shine (or ‘brilliance’) of the individual pearl. A good pearl reflects the light very well, giving a glowing appearance. Then it is important to assess the nacre. This, more commonly known as Mother Of Pearl, is the organic material produced by oysters and other molluscs around pearl beads and it is what makes pearls iridescent – meaning it has a surface which appears to change colour from different angles. The nacre builds up in layers over time – usually a couple of years – and should be thick and solid.
You also need to check whether your Akoya pearls have a good shape. The most desirable cultured pearls are round. They may not be perfectly spherical but do not settle for something obviously elliptical in shape. Also, make sure all the pearls on your necklace, bracelet or earrings are the same size. They should be consistent to the naked eye and not be riddled with different imperfections.
Perhaps the most important advice is to look for some sort of pearl grading system. Trustworthy firms usually adopt the A, AA, AAA grading system. This scores them on the above criteria – so opt for Akoya pearls which are described as AAA.
About the Author
Pearl-hunter.co.uk is a specialist supplier of Akoya pearls , with a variety of the finest pearls available in the highest quality at a competitive price.
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7″ Grade A Akoya Pearl Bracelet with 14K Yellow Gold Clasp $170.79 |
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8″ Grade A Akoya Pearl Bracelet with 14K Yellow Gold Clasp $185.59 |
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7″ Grade A Akoya Pearl Bracelet with 14K Yellow Gold Clasp $126.39 |
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8″ Grade A Akoya Pearl Bracelet with 14K Yellow Gold Clasp $136.23 |
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7″ Grade A Akoya Pearl Bracelet with 14K Yellow Gold Clasp $141.19 |
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8″ Grade A Akoya Pearl Bracelet with 14K Yellow Gold Clasp $155.99 |
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8″ Grade A Akoya Pearl Bracelet with 14K Yellow Gold Clasp $170.79 |
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Grade AAA 7.5-8 mm Cultured Akoya Pearl Earrings with White Gold Lever Cup $146.15 |
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Grade AAA 5.5-6mm Akoya Pearl Drop Earrings with White Gold Lever Backs $102.84 |
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Grade AAA 6.5-7mm Akoya Pearl Drop Earrings with White Gold Lever Backs $108.11 |
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Grade AAA 4.5-5mm Akoya Pearl Earrings with White Gold Posts and Earring Backs $53.54 |
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Grade AAA 5-5.5mm Akoya Pearl Earrings with White Gold Posts and Earring Backs $55.67 |
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Grade AAA 5.5-6mm Akoya Pearl Earrings with White Gold Posts and Earring Backs $60.94 |
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Grade AAA 6-6.5mm Akoya Pearl Earrings with White Gold Posts and Earring Backs $66.12 |
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Grade AAA 6.5-7mm Akoya Pearl Earrings with White Gold Posts and Earring Backs $71.39 |
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Grade AAA 7-7.5mm Akoya Pearl Earrings with White Gold Posts and Earring Backs $76.66 |
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Grade AAA 7.5-8mm Akoya Pearl Earrings with White Gold Posts and Earring Backs $108.11 |
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AA+ Grade 7-7.5MM Silver Gray Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearl , NEW $69.50 |
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AAA Grade 10-11MM Real Pink Akoya Pearl Necklace $0.76 |
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2STD 9-10 MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS BRACELET $59.00 |
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10-11mm Akoya Black Natural Pearl Earring AAA Grade $0.10 |
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8-9mm Akoya Black Natural Pearl Earring AAA Grade $0.10 |
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8Set 8Color Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA Grade $0.10 |
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8.5MM AAA++ GRADE PEACOCK GREEN AKOYA PEARL EARRING 14K $30.00 |
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4MM 17″ AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARL NECKLACE 14K $29.00 |
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7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARL NECKLACE 18″ $32.00 |
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Grade AAA 5.5-6 mm Cultured Akoya Pearl Earrings with 14K Gold Posts Backs $60.94 |
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Grade AAA 5.5-6mm Cultured Akoya Pearl Drop Earrings w/ Yellow Gold Lever Backs $102.84 |
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Grade AAA 7.5-8 mm Cultured Akoya Pearl Drop Earrings with Gold Lever Backs $121.43 |
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Grade AAA 6.5-7 mm Cultured Akoya Pearl Drop Earrings with Gold Lever Backs $108.11 |
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Grade AAA 7.5-8 mm Cultured Akoya Pearl Earrings with 14K Gold Posts and Backs $108.11 |
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Grade AAA 6.5-7 mm Cultured Akoya Pearl Earrings with 14K Gold Posts and Backs $71.39 |
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Grade AAA 6-6.5 mm Cultured Akoya Pearl Earrings with 14K Gold Posts and Backs $66.12 |
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free box beautiful grade AAA 7-8mm perfect round white akoya pearl earrings $0.01 |
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free box grade AAA 9-10mm pink akoya pearls earrings 14kt/585 yellow solid gold $0.01 |
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Gift Box & 18″ 9-10mm Grade White AAA+ Akoya Pearls Necklace 14k $39.32 |
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2STD AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS BRACELET $24.99 |
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AAA++16″ GRADE 8-9MM CREAM WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE $76.99 |
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Grade AAA 7.5-8 mm Akoya Pearl Drop Earrings with White Gold Lever Backs $121.43 |
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7.7MM AAA+++ GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARL EARRING 14K $29.80 |
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8Set 8Color Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA Grade $2.25 |
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2 row aaa grade white akoya 7mm genuine pearl bracelet 7.5″ 14k fine gift $9.99 |
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7.2mm aaa++ grade prefect akoya golden yellow pearl stud earring 14k free box $9.50 |
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lavender 8.5*11mm aaa++ grade akoya genuine drop pearl dangle earring free box $9.50 |
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7mm AAA grade pink akoya pearls necklace 17 inch 14K $63.00 |
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21″ 7mm AAA+ grade white akoya pearl necklace14Kt $72.00 |
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8.5MM AAA+++ GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS EARRING 14k $35.70 |
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19″ 7.5mm AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 925S $49.20 |
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16″ 14K YG Chain with 7mm Grade A Cultured Akoya $63.99 |
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little 3.4mm aaa+++ grade round akoya peacock green pearl stud earring free box $0.99 |
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8.5MM AAA+++ GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS EARRING 14k $35.70 |
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5.8mm aaa++ grade prefect round akoya white pearl stud earring 14k free box $0.99 |
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7.3mm aaa++ grade yellow akoya round cultured pearl dangle earring 14k free box $9.99 |
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4Set 4Color Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA Grade $1.04 |
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top peacock blue 8.6mm aaa++ grade akoya round cultured pearl dangle earring 14k $24.90 |
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8-9mm Akoya Black Natural Pearl Earring AAA Grade $1.35 |
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cultured 2 strand 7mm white aaa grade akoya genuine pearl bracelet 7″ 14k magnet $9.99 |
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cultured 6.5*7mm white aaa grade akoya genuine onion pearl necklace 17″ 14k $24.90 |
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8-9mm Akoya Black Natural Pearl Earring AAA Grade $1.35 |
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7.5mm aaa+ grade akoya cultured copper brown pearl bracelet 7.5″ 14k gold filled $9.50 |
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10-11mm Akoya Black Natural Pearl Earring AAA Grade $2.25 |
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white 8.5*11mm aaa++ grade akoya drop pearl dangle earring 925 silver free box $9.50 |
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11-12mm Pink Akoya Pearl Earring Silver Stud AAA Grade $0.99 |
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chocolate 7.3mm aaa++ grade cultured round akoya pearl stud earring 14k fine box $9.90 |
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7.5MM AAA+++ GRADE PEACOCK BLUE AKOYA PEARL EARRING 14K $28.00 |
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3STD AAA GRADE 7.5MM WHITE AKOYA PEARL BRACELET 7.5″ $66.00 |
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2 row AAA 9-10 MM GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS BRACELET 14k $39.00 |
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white 7.6mm aaa+++ grade perfect round akoya pearl stud earring 14kgf free box $9.50 |
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7-8MM Pink Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring AAA Grade $4.50 |
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7mm AAA+ GRADE PINK AKOYA PEARLS EARRING 14KT $36.00 |
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AAA Grade 8-9mm Black Akoya Culutred Pearl Earring $0.99 |
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aaa+ grade 4mm pink akoya pearl necklace 16~~24inch $19.00 |
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aaa+ grade 4mm pink akoya pearl necklace 16~~24inch $19.00 |
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aaa+ grade 4mm pink akoya pearl necklace 16~~24inch $20.00 |
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aaa+ grade 4mm pink akoya pearl necklace 16~~24inch $21.00 |
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aaa+ grade 4mm pink akoya pearl necklace 16~~24inch $22.00 |
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aaa+ grade 4mm pink akoya pearl necklace 16~~24inch $24.00 |
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aaa+ grade 4mm pink akoya pearl necklace 16~~24inch $18.00 |
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aaa+ grade 4mm pink akoya pearl necklace 16~~24inch $20.00 |
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aaa+ grade 4mm pink akoya pearl necklace 16~~24inch $21.00 |
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aaa+ grade 4mm pink akoya pearl necklace 16~~24inch $22.00 |
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aaa+ grade 4mm pink akoya pearl necklace 16~~24inch $23.00 |
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aaa+ grade 4mm pink akoya pearl necklace 16~~24inch $25.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $32.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $33.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $34.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $35.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $36.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $38.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $40.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $30.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $31.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $32.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $33.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $34.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $35.00 |
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17~~24″ 7MM AAA GRADE WHITE AKOYA PEARLS NECKLACE 14K $38.00 |
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free box grade AAA 8-9mm genuine white fresh water akoya pearls necklace 17″ N5 $0.01 |
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AAA Grade! 10-11mm Pink Akoya Culutred Pearl Earring $0.99 |
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free box beautiful grade AAA 8-9mm drip cultured pink akoya pearl earrings e1 $0.01 |
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AKOYA STRND $409 187 75MM AKOYA STRND 6/10 |
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Cultured Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings with 14k Gold – All Sizes $79 Genuine and Natural Akoya Cultured Pearl stud earrings with 14kt gold posts shown in 6.5 – 7mm. (E183) 129. Available in many sizes. Fine Grade A Quality Akoya Pearls are very lustrous 5.5 – 6mm 79 6 – 6.5mm 99 6.5 – 7mm 129 7 – 7.5mm 149 7.5 – 8mm 169 8 – 8.5mm 329 8.5 – 9mm 399 9 – 9.5mm 598 Comes in a nice gift box Post backs are for pierced ears only |
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8mm Akoya Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings $109 8mm Akoya Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings |
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7 7.5mm Akoya Pearl Bracelet $199 Akoya pearls are the specialty of Japanese pearl farms The first pearls to be cultured early in the 1920s their white color and rose overtone complement a fair complexion Youll also find few blemishes and a deep beautiful luster |
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Luster Liner Pearl Effects Lip Pencil – Akoya $14.9 Luster Liner Pearl Effects Lip Pencil – Akoya by Too Faced for Women – 0.07 oz Lip Pencil |
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7.5 8mm Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings $269 Add this simple pearl stud to your classic style The 75 8mm Akoya pearl is accented by a diamond and set in 14k yellow gold |
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Akoya Cultured Two Tone Pearl Diamond Earrings $664.54 Akoya Cultured Two Tone Pearl Diamond Earrings These must have Akoya pearl earrings crafted with 14K white/yellow gold earrings are sure to sparkle with brilliant 1/6 ct tw diamonds. Specifications: 14K White/Yellow Gold, Polished, 1/6 ct tw Diamonds, 6.5mm Akoya Cultured Pearl, 1.94 DWT ( 3.02 grams) Pearl Pierced Earrings |
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7 7.5mm Akoya Pearl and Diamond Stud Earrings $229 Akoya pearls are the specialty of Japanese pearl farms The first pearls to be cultured early in the 1920s their white color and rose overtone complement a fair complexion Youll also find few blemishes and a deep beautiful luster |
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14k White Gold,Akoya Cultured Pearl & Diamond Bypass Ring $260 This is a graceful bypass ring featuring one glossy cultured Akoya pearl with a sparkling round diamond accent in 14k white gold. |
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14k White Gold, Akoya Cultured Pearl & Diamond Ring (0.65 ctw) $785 This is a sophisticated ring featuring one glowingly white cultured Akoya pearl, complemented by a swirl of sparkling round brilliant-cut diamonds. |
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Solid 14KT White Gold (June) 2mm Akoya Pearl Nose Ring $39.99 Solid 14KT White Gold 2mm Akoya Pearl Nose Ring This beautifully handcrafted Akoya cultured pearl nose ring is designed with a high-quality Japanese Akoya pearl. Akoya cultured pearl jewelry makes a remarkable gift. Akoya pearls are lustrous, smooth and round. Customize your own pearl nose ring for the perfect body jewelry nose accessory. The post styles are availble in a nose bone , nostril screw for either right or left as well as a straight fish tail . Japanese Akoya pearl nose ring. Artisan handmade 14kt gold nose ring. Made in USA factory direct. Specifications: Solid 14kt Gold, 2mm Japanese Akoya Pearl, Cup-Setting, Handmade in USA, Hand polished Custom Handmade Gold Body Jewelry |
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Solid 14KT Yellow Gold (June) 2mm Akoya Pearl Nose Ring $39.99 Solid 14KT Yellow Gold 2mm Akoya Pearl Nose Ring This beautifully handcrafted Akoya cultured pearl nose ring is designed with a high-quality Japanese Akoya pearl. Akoya cultured pearl jewelry makes a remarkable gift. Akoya pearls are lustrous, smooth and round. Customize your own pearl nose ring for the perfect body jewelry nose accessory. The post styles are availble in a nose bone , nostril screw for either right or left as well as a straight fish tail . Japanese Akoya pearl nose ring. Artisan handmade 14kt gold nose ring. Made in USA factory direct. Specifications: Solid 14kt Gold, 2mm Japanese Akoya Pearl, Cup-Setting, Handmade in USA, Hand polished Custom Handmade Gold Body Jewelry |
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CET Domain 2C52ME03 5200mAh 14.4v Laptop Replacement Battery for Medion Akoya E6210 Series Notebooks $111.81 Does your laptop or notebook battery hold a terrible charge? Maybe no charge at all. It s gone bad. Replace it with this 14.4 5200mAh replacement battery. Here s a list of compatible laptops:. Akoya E6210 Akoya E6211 Akoya E6212 Series Akoya P6611 Akoya P6612 Akoya P6613 Akoya P6615 Akoya P6618 Akoya P6619 Akoya P6620 Series MD 97110 MD96987 MD96991 MD97007 MD97082 MD97110 MD97110 Series MD97118 MD97217 MD97329 MD97335 MD97357 MD97358 MD97359 MD97373 MD97406 MD97440 MD97445 MD97446 MD97460 MD97474 MD97620 MD97717 MD97760 MD98340 Series Product Content: 1x 5200mAh 14.4v Laptop Replacement Battery for Medion Akoya E6210 Series Notebooks. Materials: LiIon. Dimensions: 14.4V5200mAh |
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Solid 14KT White Gold 2mm Akoya Pearl Nose Bone – 20 Gauge $39.99 Solid 14KT White Gold 2mm Akoya Pearl Nose Bone – 20 Gauge This beautifully handcrafted Akoya cultured pearl nose ring is designed with a high-quality Japanese Akoya pearl. Akoya cultured pearl jewelry makes a remarkable gift. Akoya pearls are lustrous, smooth and round. Specifications: 20 Gauge (.8mm), 1/4″ (6mm), Solid 14kt Gold, 2mm Japanese Akoya Pearl, Cup-Setting, Handmade in USA, Hand polished Custom Handmade Gold Body Jewelry |
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Solid 14KT White Gold 2mm Akoya Pearl L-Shaped Nose Ring – 20 Gauge $39.99 Solid 14KT White Gold 2mm Akoya Pearl L-Shaped Nose Ring – 20 Gauge This beautifully handcrafted Akoya cultured pearl nose ring is designed with a high-quality Japanese Akoya pearl. Akoya cultured pearl jewelry makes a remarkable gift. Akoya pearls are lustrous, smooth and round. Specifications: 20 Gauge (.8mm), 1/4″ (6mm) Length at Bend, Solid 14kt Gold, 2mm Japanese Akoya Pearl, Cup-Setting, Handmade in USA, Hand polished Custom Handmade Gold Body Jewelry |
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Solid 14KT White Gold 2mm Akoya Pearl Straight Fishtail 3/4 – 20 Gauge $39.99 Solid 14KT White Gold 2mm Akoya Pearl Straight Fishtail 3/4 – 20 Gauge This beautifully handcrafted Akoya cultured pearl nose ring is designed with a high-quality Japanese Akoya pearl. Akoya cultured pearl jewelry makes a remarkable gift. Akoya pearls are lustrous, smooth and round. Specifications: 20 Gauge (.8mm), 3/4″ (19mm), Solid 14kt Gold, 2mm Japanese Akoya Pearl, Cup-Setting, Handmade in USA, Hand polished Custom Handmade Gold Body Jewelry |
Categories: Uncategorized 14k, aa, akoya, bridesmaid, grade akoya cultured pearls, grade akoya pearls, jewelry