Pearl Buying Guide

Akoya Oyster Popularity:

Thanks in large part to their lovely and consistent round shape, Akoya pearls are considered the classic pearl choice among retailers and consumers alike. Body color and overtone are also very important factors in their popularity due to a rather neutral palette of white or cream enhanced by beautiful overtones of pinkish rose, cream or silver. In addition, Akoya pearls can be created in a rich, lovely black by farmers who use gamma rays to achieve a permanent black coloration.

The Best Akoya Pearl for you:

Choosing the Akoya pearl that will look best on you has a lot to do with skin tone. Women with light or fair skin tend to like rose overtones while dark skinned women or those who tan easily, gravitate towards black or cream overtones. If you aren’t sure, silver-like tones are a wonderful middle ground.

How to Grade an Akoya Pearl

There is no universally agreed upon grading system for Akoya Pearls; however most U.S. retailers have adapted the AAA-A system as the major grading system used.

The AAA - A System

This system grades pearls on a scale that begins at AAA, the highest level of Akoya pearls available.

This rating is for virtually flawless pearls with a very high, mirror-like surface luster. In addition at least 95% of the surface must be free of defects. The Akoya pearl will be perfectly round, with a nacre thickness of 0.4mm or higher.

This rating is for virtually flawless pearls with a very high, mirror-like surface luster. In addition at least 95% of the surface must be free of defects. The Akoya pearl will be perfectly round, with a nacre thickness of 0.4mm or higher.

This rating is for virtually flawless pearls with a very high, mirror-like surface luster. In addition at least 95% of the surface must be free of defects. The Akoya pearl will be perfectly round, with a nacre thickness of 0.4mm or higher.

Size Guidelines for Akoya Pearls

Like many things in life, when it comes to Akoya pearls, size does matter. In fact, size is a key factor in a pearl's value, with the larger pearls generally being the more prized.

Of course, you should buy the pearl size you feel most comfortable with. The following are a list of guidelines that many people have applied through the years when it comes time to choosing the right pearl size.

5.5 mm-6 mm
These are small pearls, traditionally chosen for girls between the ages 12 to 16 or for women of a smaller stature.

6.0-6.5 mm
Traditionally this size pearl has been chosen for young women ages 16-24.

6.5 mm-7.0 mm
Often considered the "starter" set for women in their mid 20s this is a traditional birthday, Christmas and Valentine's Day present.

7.5 mm-8.0 mm
This size is usually worn by women age 30 and up, traditionally considered pearls for the upwardly mobile woman. Not too flashy, 8 mm is big enough to give an air of importance. Traditionally, this size is a given as a wedding or anniversary gift through the fifth year of marriage.

8.0 mm-8.5 mm
These pearls tend to be more expensive, so they are traditionally worn by women age 35 and up, and often signify financial success.

8.5 mm-9.0 mm
Pearls of this size are perfect for women ages 35 to 45. They are much more substantial without being too flashy.

9.0 mm-9.5 mm:
These high-end pearls are traditionally worn by women in their later years

9.5 mm-10.0 mm:
Pearls of this size are very rare and hard to match so they are price extremely high.