A Brief History of Pearls: Surface of Akoya Pearls

SURFACE OF AKOYA PEARLS

Akoya pearls, like other natural and cultured pearls, are judged on several factors. An Akoya pearl's surface is a very important component in determining its value.

Most Akoya pearls are free from heavy blemishes and have clean or extremely clean surfaces. Because Japanese Akoya pearls are subject to strict quality standards, and because these pearls have a relatively short cultivation time, they're not usually at risk of developing more serious blemishes.

Some blemishes that Japanese Akoya pearls may have include:

• Bumps
• Circles
• Spots
• Pits
• Wrinkles

These are generally non-damaging blemishes. Although they may affect the value of the pearl, they don't tend to become worse over time.

Damaging blemishes, such as cracks or chips that occur during the sorting or drilling processes, do tend to become worse with time. Naturally, those blemishes negatively affect the value of the pearl and its durability.