What is the Difference Between Akoya and South Sea Pearls

Akoya and South Sea pearls are two of the most well-known types of cultured pearls. They are highly valued and commonly used in fine jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, and rings. Although they share several similarities, there are also many differences between them.

What is the difference between Akoya and South Sea pearls? Akoya pearls are smaller and more common than South Sea pearls, which are generally larger, rarer, and more expensive.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Akoya Pearls
     – Definition, Features
2. What are South Sea Pearls
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Akoya and South Sea Pearls
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Akoya and South Sea Pearls
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Akoya and South Sea Pearls
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Akoya Pearls, South Sea Pearls

What are Akoya Pearls

Akoya pearls are saltwater cultured pearls from the akoya oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii). These pearls have a round shape and bright luster, which results from the bead of mother-of-pearl placed inside the oyster during cultivation. This bead forms the core of the pearl and helps it develop its characteristic roundness.

The akoya oyster is the smallest among commercially farmed pearl-producing oysters. Therefore, its pearls are usually smaller, averaging about 7 mm. Sizes can range from as small as 1 mm to 10-11 mm, but the largest sizes are rare. Most akoya pearls are farmed in Japan. Some amounts are also produced in China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Australia.

Akoya pearls typically have neutral colors, such as white to grey, with subtle overtones of pink, green, or silver. Sometimes, they can appear blue with silver and pink overtones, though this is uncommon. Black akoya pearls do not occur naturally. They are treated with either radiation or dye to achieve their color. Although not as valuable as South Sea or Tahitian pearls, akoya pearls are considered more valuable than freshwater pearls.

What are South Sea Pearls

South Sea pearls are a type of saltwater pearl produced by the Pinctada maxima oyster. These oysters are found in the southern hemisphere, particularly in regions like northern Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Burma, and French Polynesia. 

South Sea pearls are larger than most other types of pearls. Their sizes can generally range from 10-15 mm, but some can grow as large as 20 mm. Their colors include white, cream, gold, and silver. Moreover, they have a soft, natural shine.

These pearls have a unique luster as a result o the thick nacre layers formed over time. The nacre also makes them more durable compared to some other pearls. However, South Sea pearls are relatively rare due to limited production, which affects their availability and price.

Similarities Between Akoya and South Sea Pearls

1. Both Akoya and South Sea pearls are cultured in saltwater oysters.
2. They are durable and can last for generations, but with proper care.
3. They are highly valued and commonly used in fine jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, and rings.
4. Both are farmed in the southern hemisphere.

Difference Between Akoya and South Sea Pearls

Definition

• Akoya pearls are saltwater pearls cultivated from Pinctada fucata, primarily in Japan, while South Sea pearls are pearls cultivated from Pinctada maxima, mostly off the coast of Australia.

Size

• Akoya pearls are generally smaller, typically about 7 mm. South Sea pearls are larger, averaging 10-16 mm.

Color

• Akoya pearls are usually white or cream with bright luster while South Sea pearls have a wider color range, including white, silver, cream, gold, and black.

Shape

• Akoya pearls are mostly round or slightly oval, with some baroque shapes, while South Sea pearls can be round, oval, button, or baroque.

Luster

• Akoya pearls have a sharp, bright luster, but South Sea pearls have a softer, glowing luster.

Durability

• South Sea pearls are durable due to their thick nacre whereas Akoya pearls are more sensitive to environmental factors like temperature and pollution.

Rarity

• South Sea pearls are rarer than Akoya pearls.

Price

• South Sea pearls tend to be more expensive than Akoya pearls.

FAQ: Akoya and South Sea Pearls

1. Which is better, South Sea pearl or Akoya pearl?

South Sea pearls are larger, rarer, and have a softer luster, which makes them more expensive and highly valued. Akoya pearls are smaller and have a sharp and bright luster. They are often more affordable.

2. What is the highest quality pearl?

The highest quality pearl is generally considered to be the South Sea pearl. It is large, rare, and has a beautiful luster due to its thick nacre.

3. Which type of pearl is more expensive?

South Sea pearls are the most expensive type of pearl. They are larger, rarer, and come in a wide range of colors. Their high value comes from the limited supply and the long time it takes to grow them.

4. Which pearls last the longest?

South Sea pearls last the longest because they have the thickest nacre of all cultured pearls. This thicker nacre makes them more durable and able to be enjoyed for many decades, unlike freshwater pearls, which have thinner nacre layers and a shorter lifespan.

5. Are Akoya pearls real or fake?

Akoya pearls are real pearls. They are cultured in saltwater oysters and are known for their round shape and bright luster.

Reference: 

1. “Akoya Information.” Pearl Paradise.

2. “Everything You Need to Know about South Sea Pearls.” Pearl Paradise. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Akoya pearls” By Mauro Cateb – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Circle south sea pearls” By Auadtbk – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia