What are Japanese pearls?

Many people are asking about the difference between the pearls that we are cultivating in our pearl farm and Japanese pearls, so we would like to spend some time to talk about Japanese pearls today.

Most of the Japanese freshwater pearls are cultivated in China these days because of their pollution problem. Both freshwater pearls and are Akoya pearls are loosely called by laymen as Japanese pearls in the world of fashion and pearl jewellery. However, Akoya means Marine water in Japanese language. Japanese Akoya pearls are well known for their thick nacre and amazing luster. They have classic quality and grace.

Japanese Akoya pearls are harvested from small oysters Pincada fucata ; it is a small oyster have average size 6 to 7 cm. Best time to harvest these Akoya pearls are the hottest and coldest time of year, in this time period oysters are dormant. Pearls harvested in some other time of year have thin nacre and dull luster.

Kokichi Mikimoto a visionary from Japan invented a technique for culturing Akoya pearls. He also patented technique of culturing pearls. These pearls were primarily cultivated in sea water off the coastal area of Japan. To form beautiful Akoya pearl, small bead of mantle tissue is inserted inside the oyster and then those oysters are left to grow in Sea water or fresh water. Oyster then secretes layers of thick nacre over that irritant which results into formation of high quality, lustrous pearl.

Natural color of pearl is completely dependent upon the specie and climatic conditions of water. In 3-5 years, pearl grows completely into nice quality pearl with thick nacre. Growth is constantly monitored during growth period to get good harvest. Bead inserted in Akoya oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii) is very small for formation of perfect Akoya pearl. Akoya oyster very rarely produces more than one pearl.

Because of the technological improvements, China pearls is catching on. Nowdays' freshwater pearls can marvel the same quality as the Akoya pearls. They also come in white and cream color with natural overtones like pink, blue, green etc. These pearls also have very high luster and usually they have a perfect round shape. Since they are nearly round they are best choice for necklace, earrings and bracelet. 40 to 50 Akoya pearls make a standard pearl necklace, which very common and popular among women.

Pearl jewelry made of both Akoya pearls and freshwater pearls both are very appealing and although freshwater pearls maybe the best choice as a gift for its value and same beauty. To learn more about wholesale priced freshwater pearls, please visit www.OrientalPearls.net.