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How are Akoya pearls graded?
Cultured Akoya pearls are graded using the Japanese Pearl Grading System, using the A-AAA Scale with the addition of Hanadama Akoya pearls representing the highest pinnacle of the pearl type. The A-AAA system evaluates pearls according to Surface Quality, Luster, and perfection of Shape (roundness and symmetry).
What is quality A in Akoya pearl?
The luster on AAA Quality Akoya pearls will be sharper, brighter and have a greater visual ‘depth’ than that of the AA+ grade pearls.
What is the best grade for pearls?
This grading system ranks pearls from AAA to A, with AAA being the highest.
- AAA: Nearly flawless pearls with a high luster and a surface that’s 95 percent free of defects.
- AA: High luster with a surface that’s 75 percent free of defects.
- A: Lower luster and defects on more than 25 percent of the surface.
How do you pick Akoya pearls?
Choose Akoya pearls if you want a “luxury level” white pearl necklace with very bright, highly reflective luster, perfectly round pearls and perfect matching. The somewhat higher price is worth it if those are the pearl necklace features that you just cannot live without.
Is Akoya pearl a good investment?
Top quality Akoya pearls can command high prices, sometimes ranging at thousands of dollars. The price of Akoya jewelry is also dependent on the quality of the settings and workmanship. Akoya pearls are the most affordable of the saltwater pearl varieties but are much more expensive than freshwater pearls.
Are Akoya pearls worth anything?
It is still common to find top-quality akoya pearl strands retailing for more than $10,000, however. This would be average for a Tahitian strand and low for a South Sea, but much higher than a comparable freshwater pearl necklace.
Are Akoya pearls good quality?
While the akoya pearl is considered to be (overall) more rare and valuable than the freshwater pearl, it is only the third most valuable commercially produced pearl, falling behind South Sea and Tahitians. It is still common to find top-quality akoya pearl strands retailing for more than $10,000, however.