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If you're looking for the classic set of pearls, look to Akoya cultured pearls. The Akoya is the most popular pearl, commonly seen in pearl strands and in earrings.
While industry wide there is no standardized grading for Akoya pearls, Blue Nile ensures that each pearl meets our high quality standards.
Akoya pearls are the specialty of Japanese pearl farms. The first pearls to be cultured early in the 1920s, their white colour and rosé overtone complement a fair complexion. Because Akoya pearls are a high-quality pearl, you'll find them set with 18k gold posts and clasps, and you'll find they are well matched for size, shape, and colour. You'll also find few blemishes and a deep, beautiful luster.
The Blue Nile Classic pearl collection is in the top 5% of pearls. At Blue Nile we ensure that each pearl meets our high quality standards.
Natural pearls are so rare to find in nature that most pearls sold today are cultured. To create a cultured pearl, a tiny bead is implanted into the oyster and gradually over time the oyster coats the bead in many layers of natural minerals and proteins. These layers are referred to as nacre (Nay-Ker.) It is the nacre that gives pearls their beautiful luster and colour.
The general colour of a pearl is also called the body colour. Typical Akoya cultured pearl colours are white or cream, yellow. They often have a hint of secondary colour, or overtone, which is seen when light reflects off the pearl surface. For example, a pearl strand may appear white, but when examined more closely, a pink overtone may become apparent.
Akoya cultured pearls produce an intense, deep shine called luster. This effect is created when light reflects off the many layers of tiny calcium carbonate crystals that compose the pearl. This substance is called nacre. When selecting a pearl, consider that the larger the pearl, the more nacre it has, so it will also exhibit even more luster.
At Blue Nile, we offer the highest quality, rarest pearl shape – round. Shapes that are not spherical or even symmetrical are considered lower quality.
As a mollusk creates a pearl, the layers of nacre do not always adhere smoothly. Sometimes spots and bubbles can appear in the layering process. Pearls with the smoothest surfaces are the highest-quality, most sought-after pearls. Our high-quality Akoya cultured pearls have very few physical blemishes.
Akoya cultured pearls range from about 6.0–8.5mm.
When cared for properly, pearls can last a lifetime. The best way to care for pearls is to wear them often as the body’s natural oils keep pearls lustrous. However, it's important to keep them away from household chemicals including perfume, makeup and hairspray. Chemicals found in these common products can dull the luster of your pearls. It is recommended that you put your pearls on last when getting ready and make them the first thing you take off when you come home. Before putting your pearls away, wipe them with a soft cloth and store them separate from other jewellery to avoid scratching their tender surfaces.
All prices are GBP and do not include VAT. |
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