Are South Sea pearls better than Akoya?

As mentioned earlier, the size of this gem typically ranges between 3.0mm to 9.5mm. If this fits your requirement then an Akoya pearl will give you excellent value for money. South Sea pearls, on the other hand, are treasured for having the thickest nacre of all.

Are Akoya pearls South Sea?

There are three main categories of cultured pearls available in today’s market. These are: South Sea Fresh Water and Akoya. Each type of pearl is unique to a specific part of the world.

Are South Sea pearls the best?

Fine South Sea Pearls are the superlative pearls, the crème de la crème of pearls, the most coveted and sought-after of all cultivated pearls in the world. They are unique in that they exhibit very high levels of each of the value factors – size, shape, luster/nacre thickness, surface cleanliness and rarity.

Are Akoya pearls better?

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.

How can you tell if pearls are Akoya?

For Akoya pearls, you’ll mainly notice pin prick blemishes, lighter or darker areas of organic conchiolin build up visible just under the surface crystal, and small, white wrinkles in the surface nacre. Freshwater Pearl Inclusions are mostly dull white “chalky spots” and subtle ridges on the pearl surfaces.

What is the highest quality pearl?

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.

What is so special about South Sea pearls?

South Sea pearls are generally much larger than other pearl types and have a unique luster quality – a soft reflection due to the large aragonite platelets that make up the pearl. They also have the thickest average nacre of all cultured pearls. These factors make South Seas both distinctive and valuable.

Are Akoya pearls fresh or saltwater?

saltwater cultured
According to the Gemological Association of America (GIA), “Akoya cultured pearls are the most familiar type of saltwater cultured pearls to most people in the U.S. and other western markets.” Akoya pearls are typically the first pearl strand a woman receives or the first pair of pearl earrings with which she starts …

Are Akoya pearls freshwater or saltwater?

saltwater

Which kind of pearl is the best?

White South Sea and Golden South Sea pearls are the most sought-after cultured versions of the gems in the world. That’s because they are the rarest, and offer the most luster and greatest pearls sizes. Both Golden South Sea and White South Sea pearls are cultivated in saltwater.