A Brief History of Pearls: Luster of Akoya Pearls

LUSTER OF AKOYA PEARLS

Akoya pearls have the highest luster of all cultured pearls, according to many experts, and it's usually thought to be the result of their nacre coating.



What Creates Luster on Akoya Pearls?

Akoya pearls are cultured in the cool waters off Japan. The sea there is typically at least 10 to 15 degrees cooler than it is in other locations where cultured saltwater pearls are developed.

Because the cooler conditions slow down the nacre excretion process, and because lower temperatures produce nacre with a more compact crystal structure, Akoya pearls have superior reflective and refractive qualities. This typically gives them a higher luster than other pearls have.

Although Akoya pearls usually have a thinner nacre coating than other pearls have (it's about a half-millimeter thick in most cases), their luster often shines the brightest.

In order to be considered a flawless or nearly flawless pearl, an Akoya must have an extremely high luster with no visible inclusions on its surface.