How to Choose Akoya Pearls | Tensei Pearl

Like people, every pearl has its own character, so no two are exactly alike anywhere in the world.

A pearl's value is determined by six factors: size, color, luster, nacre, shape and blemishes (dimples).

For pearls of the same quality, the larger the size, the higher the price.

However, the size of the nucleus differs depending on the target size of the pearl. So even at the same size, a pearl grown from a small nucleus and one made quickly with a large nucleus differ in value.

Size is shown as the diameter of the pearl in millimeters (mm).

Many people think of pearls as white, but various colors appear depending on the type of oyster.

Even pearls from the same type of oyster come in subtly different colors, depending on the pigments in the oyster's genes.

Which color is best depends on personal taste. Akoya pearls come in white, pink, blue, cream and yellow tones. White South Sea pearls come in white and gold tones, and black pearls in black, gray, green and other tones.

"Teri" means the luster of a pearl.

Pearls with fine, evenly layered nacre and a smooth surface create interference colors as they reflect light. A pearl's luster is also related to its nacre (below): pearls with thicker nacre tend to have more luster.

Good luster is not just a shine on the surface but a deep glow from within the pearl. A pearl with good luster seems to float above the skin when worn, giving off the soft glow unique to pearls.

"Maki" means the thickness of the nacre.

Judging nacre thickness with the naked eye takes long experience, and it is difficult for most people to tell in a store.

In general, the thicker the nacre, the less the pearl changes over time and the longer its beauty lasts.

It is an extremely important factor in a fine pearl. Thick, translucent nacre gives a deep pearly luster.

The rounder the pearl, the higher its quality is considered. Uniquely shaped pearls are called baroque, and each is truly one of a kind in the world.

Other shapes include semi-round, drop, oval, button, twin and circle.

Blemishes are the natural dents and rubs a pearl gets while growing in the sea. They are also called "ekubo" (dimples).

The fewer the blemishes, the rarer and more expensive the pearl. Because pearls are a product of nature, almost none are completely free of blemishes.

Depending on the use, we process each pearl, for example choosing where to drill, to show off its most beautiful side.