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What are akoya Pearls?

Published on March 28, 2023

What are akoya Pearls? If you intend to buy a pearl necklace or pearl earrings, a bracelet or a ring made with these small spheres produced by special molluscs, it is easy for you to come across the term akoya, which distinguishes a particular type of pearl. But what are Akoya pearls? If you are curious, discover the characteristics of these pearls and, of course, the origin of the name akoya.

Collana di perle akoya — Mazza, collana di perle akoya

Akoya pearls are a variety of cultured pearls known for their beauty and luster. These pearls are grown in salt water and are the fruit of a type of oyster they grow in, Pinctada fucata martensii. These oysters are mainly grown in Japan, although cultivation technologies have also been developed in other countries, such as China and Korea. However, akoya pearls are available all over the world. This variety of pearls are considered the quintessential classic pearls. They were first introduced to Japan in the late 19th century, and have since become one of the most popular pearls in the world.

Characteristics of akoya pearls
As we have said, akoya pearls are appreciated for their luster, but also for their brilliant color and regular shape. Luster refers to the pearl’s ability to reflect light, creating a luminous effect on the surface. The color of akoya pearls is generally white or cream, although they are available in other shades such as pink, gold and silver. The round shape is considered the ideal shape for akoya pearls, but they can also be oval, teardrop or baroque. Akoya pearls are generally smaller than other cultured pearls, ranging in diameter from 2 to 10 millimeters. However, there are also larger akoya pearls that can be as large as 12-13 millimeters. These beads are commonly used to make jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Cultivation of akoya pearls
Cultivation of akoya pearls begins with the selection of ripe oysters, which are then grafted with a piece of mantle tissue from another oyster. This tissue stimulates the oyster to produce mother-of-pearl, or nacre, a substance that coats the nucleus of the implanted tissue, forming the pearl.

Bracciale con perle Akoya e diamanti di Yoko London

Pearl cleaning
Akoya pearls are considered a symbol of elegance and sophistication, and are often worn on special occasions such as weddings and formal events. They are also a great choice for gifts, especially for women who appreciate fashion and design. Be careful: Akoya pearls are quite fragile, so they must be treated with care to avoid scratches or damage. Avoid exposing them to chemicals or heat, and it is best to clean them gently with a soft cloth after use.

Assael, bracciale in oro con perle Akoya

The origin of the name
The term akoya comes from the name of the oyster that produces these pearls, or the akoya oyster according to the Japanese name (Pinctada fucata martensii). These oysters grow naturally in the coastal waters of Japan, where the water is rich in nutrients and minerals that promote pearl growth, and where akoya pearls were first cultured in the late 19th century. The term akoya is Japanese for salt water, which reflects the environment in which these pearls are grown.

Bracciale della linea Milano con perle Akoya gialle indossato — Alessio Boschi, bracciale della linea Milano con perle Akoya gialle indossato

The simple truth of Shihara

Published on December 15, 2022

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Anello eternity in oro giallo 18 carati con diamanti sul bordo

The world is divided into two: those who love elaborate jewels with large colored gems and those who love simple and no-frills geometries. The Japanese jewelry designer Yuta Ishihara, inspirer of the Maison Shihara, belongs to this second category. Indeed more. Because her jewels amaze with the desire not to exhibit richness or unusual shapes. In reverse. For example, Shihara offers an eternity ring that has diamonds inside the gold band. In short, when you wear the ring, diamonds are not seen: only the wearer knows. The ultimate in modesty and minimal philosophy.

Not only. Shihara also uses simple but unusual shapes, such as the open cube-shaped earring, which seems to float on the ear and is available in different sizes. Yellow gold and diamonds are the basis of the designer’s work. But there are also Akoya pearls: in this case the philosophy of subtraction pushes Yuta Ishihara to cover half of the sphere with a gold patina. The result is a jewel with half a pearl.

Raised in Yamanashi, a prefecture in Japan renowned for its jewelry production, the designer moved to Tokyo, a dynamic city that inspired the geometric shapes of her collections. And also destined to last a long time, according to Yuta’s wish, because beautiful and simple things are those that are handed down.

Anello eternity con diamanti all'interno della banda d'oro — Anello eternity con diamanti all’interno della banda d’oro

Orecchino in oro e diamanti a forma di cubo

ANELLO QUADRATO — Anello in oro rosa quadrato

The Tasaki’s zen pearls

Published on August 26, 2022

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The luxury jewelry by Japanese Tasaki, design and pearls ♦

If the Japanese Zen gardens will be transformed into jewelry, you probably could find it among the Tasaki collections. Pearls, simple shapes, but dazzling, great quality: the light, fresh, clear of the Japanese brand jewelry are intended for those who love the clean lines and classic modernity. The company cultivates and trades in pearls since 1950: it is the main activity, which gives work to a thousand employees. In 1962 he started designing jewelry.

Danger Tribe large earrings in oro bianco e perle Akoya

But the breakthrough came in 2009, with the Thai designer Thakoon Panichgul, who has also created jewelry worn also by the American First Lady. The collaboration has yielded some of the most successful collections. And also introducing a breath of renewal. For example, with the use of inverted diamonds, combined together with the pearls as opposed elements of a unitary balance. La Maison not only uses Akoya pearls, but also South Sea. Next to jewelry using pearls also offers classic collections of rings, necklaces or bracelets in gold and diamonds.

Collezione Comet, orecchini in oro bianco, perla e diamanti

Collezione Comet, anello in oro bianco, perla e diamanti

Collezione Comet, anello in oro rosa e diamante

Collana Danger Fang in oro giallo, perle, diamanti

Anello Danger Spike in oro giallo e perle South Sea

The roots of Yvonne Léon

Published on May 8, 2021

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Orecchini a forma di cavalluccio marino in oro giallo 18 carati, diamanti, zaffiri e tsavoriti

New Jewelery by Yvonne Léon, a French designer who is climbing the jewelery steps ♦

For those who are not French, it is good to point out that Esmod is the most famous private school for studying fashion. It is the school where parisian Yvonne Léon studied to then work as a stylist and editorial assistant before returning to her roots. The family business, which operates between Canada and France, is in fact jewelry, and in particular vintage jewelry. Yvonne Léon’s creations are often inspired from what she finds in in flea markets and antique shops.

But it’s not nostalgia: jewels «are the testimony of her originality and eccentric» she says of herself. In short, jewels of the past but reviewed with modern taste and techniques, using only 18k gold and selected precious stones. Among her favorite subjects are animals: for example delicate bees with pearl and diamond, that are transformed into rings. But also owls, seahorses, crabs, or leaves, always with a personal touch. Margherita Donato

Anello chevalier in oro giallo 18 carati e diamanti

Anello in oro giallo 18 carati e singolo diamante

Orecchino in oro giallo 18 carati e tsavoriti

Orecchino singolo in oro giallo 9 carati, zaffiri gialli, diamanti grigi, spinello nero

Anello in oro giallo 9 carati, smalto, diamanti grigi, spinello nero

Orecchini in oro giallo 9 carati, ametista, zaffiri rosa, arancioni e gialli

Sleek, new collection by Yoko London

Published on September 6, 2020

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Yoko London, a high-end jewelry brand specializing in pearls, is launching a new collection with (relatively) more affordable prices: jewels start at less than a thousand pounds (or euros). The collection is called Sleek and is in line with the style of the Maison: classic, licensed to amaze. The collection consists of 18-karat white or yellow gold earrings, diamonds and, of course, lots of pearls. Those used are the 5-5.5mm Akoya, often arranged in a surprising way.

Founded in 1973, Yoko London is a third generation family-run Maison run by Michael Hakimian. The company works exclusively with 13 different pearl farms around the world to find and select the most beautiful and unusual spheres, with rare colors and exceptional sizes. The Sleek collection aims to reach women who want a touch of elegance even with a casual day look as well as with a formal evening dress.

Orecchini in oro bianco, diamanti e perle Akoya

Orecchini di Yoko London in oro bianco, diamanti e perle Akoya

Orecchini in oro giallo, diamanti e perle Akoya

Orecchini chandelier in oro bianco, diamanti e perle Akoya

Orecchini art déco in oro bianco, diamanti e perle Akoya

Orecchini pendenti in oro bianco, diamanti e perle Akoya

The extraordinary Sicis necklace dedicated to Calipso

Published on February 19, 2020

COLLANE/alta gioielleria/Showroom

Collana Calipso con 165 perle Akoya e diamanti

Calipso, nymph daughter of Atlas, who in the Odyssey welcomes the shipwrecked Odysseus on the island of Ogigia and, in love with him, holds him for seven years, until he receives the order from Zeus to let him leave. A woman undoubtedly fascinating also in the eyes of the Sicis designers, who dedicated some high jewelery pieces to Calipso.

As always the jewels of Sicis, Maison based in Ravenna, combine gold and precious stones with a delicate micro mosaic work. The Calipso necklace, furthermore, use 165 special and precious Akoya Light Blue pearls woven in a gold weave, alongside brilliant cut diamonds that intertwine and embrace elements decorated with micromosaic. Hundreds of tiny tiles line up and create designs in shades of sapphire blue and white, sinuous play of color and imperceptible reflections. The necklace, in particular, is a piece of high jewelery and of great value, not only for the difficult processing of the piece, but also for the quantity of Akoya pearls used. Surely Calipso would have liked it too.

Orecchini in oro bianco, diamanti, perle Akoya, micro mosaico

Gli elementi di vetro colorato da cui si ricava il micro mosaico

Mikimoto, Japanese snow

Published on December 21, 2017

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Spilla di Mikimoto in oro 18carati, perla e diamanti

The snow seen from Japan in a new collection by Mikimoto ♦
The snow in Japan is as light as the one that falls in the United States or in the Swiss Alps. And for this it enchants in the same way. But of course, Japanese sensitivity is even more delicate. An example is the collection dedicated to snow by Mikimoto, a Japanese Maison famous for its pearls. Like most Japanese Mikimoto has a special focus on nature. The Maison’s founder, Mikimoto Kamamuri, wanted to protect nature and be inspired by creative sources from the Japanese environment to transform the beauty of the universe into the art of jewelry. Pearls, another natural element, are a perfect element, with gold and diamonds. With this collection Mikimoto has captured snowflakes, using pearls and gold worked with an embroidery that incorporates the geometry of the crystals. And, next to the poetry of the snow, a tribute to Christmas: a Western festival that, however, also like in the East. Margherita Donato

Spilla di perle Akoya in oro giallo 18 carati con diamanti

Orecchini in oro rosa 18 carati con diamanti

Catena in oro rosa 18 carati con diamanti

Mikimoto did splash

Published on October 19, 2016

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Spilla o ciondolo Splash, con perle, diamanti, oro bianco

Splash, a interchangeable Mikimoto brooch, presented in Paris.
The king of the pearls, Mikimoto, did Splash in Paris. It is called this, in fact, an interchangeable jewel, which can be used as a brooch, or attach to a necklace: it was presented in the Place Vendôme store. The brooch, in fact, has a shape that is reminiscent as one spray of many drops of water, the one that is formed when throwing something on a liquid surface. Except that the spray in this case consist of 13 Akoya pearls carefully selected and mounted on white gold with a 3.6 carat diamonds. Considered the beads are found in water, therefore, the reference is not at all out of place. The company founder Kokichi Mikimoto, in 1893, on the island of Kashikojima, Japan, invented the technique of pearl farming. Today the Akoya pearls, South Sea or the baroque are the result of that innovation: it is a splash that has lasted for over a century. Margherita Donato

Perle Sout Sea dorate con diamanti. Prezzo: 10.500 dollari

Collana con perle Akoya e Sout Sea, diamanti

Orecchini con perle South Sea, diamanti, zaffiri rosa, oro e platino

Anello con perla coltivata, diamanti e oro rosa. Prezzo: 16.000 dollari

Collana di perle nere South Sea con orecchini. Prezzo: 89.500 dollari

Collana a doppio filo di perle. Prezzo: 38500 dollari

Collana con perle barocche dorate e diamanti

Eugenie Niarchos dives into the Oseanyx

Published on August 16, 2016

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Eugenie Niarchos deserts the earth and let Reptilia (her collection dedicated to reptiles), to dive into the sea with the third jewelery collection of the brand Venyx, named Oseanyx. A fantastic and whimsical underwater world, this is the key style of the Greek designer, inhabited by mysterious and hybrid creatures: there is an imaginary tiger-ray fish and the depth of the abysses is captured in detail the tail of the feline that looks like a Tribal accessory, the paw of the bear hunting fishes, shells symbol of Venus, which obviously have nothing of Botticelli’s classicism, but instead suggest tropical seas with multicolored stones. And, again, a golden parrot fish with a star between the fins. Because cosmos is one of the favorite themes of Niarchos, here too in this collection proposes star pendants earrings with Akoya pearls, and adds Lunoor, a half-moon with a human face as in fairy tales, originally designed for the wedding of her best friend Noor Fares, a jewelry designer too. Gold is never polished: brushed or rippled like waves or chiseled like the lunar seas. In short, the in Venyx’s universe there is no boundary between heaven, land and sea.

Anello Gold Moonshell in oro giallo 18 carati, con diamanti blu, ametiste, quarzi citrini, chrysophrase, opali, calcedoni lavanda, topazio blu, granati, smeraldi

Moonshell ear cuff in oro giallo con diamanti, opali bianchi, agate verdi, ametiste, zaffiri blu, granati, smeraldi e zaffiri arancio

Anello Bear Paw in oro giallo 18 carati con zaffiri blu, ametiste, rubini, zaffiri rosa, rodoliti e ioliti

Anello Parrot Star fish, in oro 18 carati e diamanti

Anello Moonshell Star, in oro giallo 18 carati con diamanti, agata verde, ametiste, quarzi citrini, granati, smeraldi, topazi azzurri, zaffiri blu e zaffiri rosa

Orecchini Oseanyx Star Pearls in oro carati con diamanti, zaffiri bianchi e perle Akoya

Orecchini Bear Paw, in oro giallo 18 carati con zaffiri blu, ametiste, rubini, topazio azzurro

Orecchini arcobaleno Tiger Ray, in oro giallo 18 carati con rodio nero, diamanti, agate verdi, zaffiri blu, tsavoriti, ametiste, rubini e smalto arancio

Anello Tiger Ray, in oro 18 carati giallo con rodio nero, diamanti, ametiste, zaffiri rosa, granati, zaffiri arancio e smeraldi

Orecchini Raimbow Venus in oro 18 carati, con rodio nero, diamanti, agata verde, ametista, blu zaffiro, granato, rubino, topazio blu, tsavorite e zaffiri arancio

Anello Rainbow Venus, in oro 18 carati con rodio nero, diamanti, agata verde, ametista, blu zaffiro, granato, rubino, topazio blu, tsavorite e zaffiri arancio

Orecchini Lunoor in oro bianco 18 carati con diamanti, pietre di luna, agate di pizzo blu e calcedoni lavanda

Mikimoto, the zen necklaces

Published on April 6, 2015

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Collana con perle che sfumano in tre nuance della collezione Hero

View at Baselworld also a delicate necklace Mikimoto. For the uninitiated is one of the biggest names in Japanese jewelry: the Tokyo house has 122 years. Always the House of the Rising Sun specializes in pearls, considered among the best quality in the world. But, of course, in addition to choosing pearls for their form and their color, we must know how to compose. An example is this necklace of extreme simplicity, as the Japanese Zen gardens, an exemplary refinement. A single strand of pearls Akoya combined with turquoise beads. The necklace is part of the Blue Sonnet Collection and costs about 24 thousand dollars. Another example of what is capable of doing Mikimoto, is the necklace Mikimoto. Called the Legend series, with an iridescent opal surrounded by pink sapphires and diamonds. Opal is framed with pink and white gold 18 carats. Below, inevitable, there is a South Sea pearl from 24 mm. This piece of fine jewelry is valued 345 thousand dollars. G.N.

La collana della Blue Sonnet Collection di Mikimoto

Anello con perla dorata e foglie con diamanti

La collana Legend, con un opale iridescente e un pendente con una grossa perla, zaffiri e diamanti. Prezzo: 345mila dollari

Una collana avvolgente di perle firmata Mikimoto

Uno dei modelli presentato a Baselworld 2015: collana a cinque fili con fermagli di oro e diamanti

La perla disse: Amami

Published on September 8, 2014

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Amami, nel Centro orafo di Marcianise. Non è una proposta per il weekend, ma il nome di un nuovo brand nato sotto l’insegna di Aucella, azienda con 90 anni di storia nel settore dei preziosi all’ingrosso, in particolare nell’importazione diretta delle perle. Ora l’azienda ha deciso di fare da sola, utilizzando un gioco di parole. Amami, infatti, in italiano è una richiesta di amore, ma è anche il nome dell’isola del Giappone da cui provengono le pregiate perle Akoya, utilizzate per i gioielli prodotti da Aucella. Una coincidenza felice. L’azienda sottolinea la qualità delle perle utilizzate, selezionate direttamente alla fonte, per garantire alti standard in termini di purezza, pulizia, lucentezza e sfericità. La perla, tra l’altro, è tornata alla grande da qualche mese sull’onda dello stile Grande Gatsby. Il debutto di Amami è coinciso con VicenzaOro Fall. Ora le perle prenderanno la strada dei negozi. Lavinia Andorno

The Pearl said: Amami

Amami, in the center of Marcianise goldsmith. It is not a proposal for the weekend, but the name of a new brand, born under the sign of Aucella, company with 90 years of history in the field of wholesale precious, especially in the direct import of pearls. Now the company has decided to go it alone, using a play on words. Amami, in fact, in Italian is a demand for love (it means love me), but it is also the name of the island of Japan from which they come the finest Akoya pearls, used for jewelry products from Aucella. A happy coincidence. The company emphasizes the quality of the pearls used, selected directly from the source, to ensure high standards in terms of purity, cleanliness, shine and sphericity. The pearl, among other things, has returned to big for a few months in the wake of Great Gatsby style. The debut of Amami coincided with VicenzaOro Fall. Now pearls make their way to the shops.

La Perle a dit: Amami

Amami, dans le centre de Marcianise orfèvre. Ce n’est pas une proposition pour le week-end, mais le nom d’une nouvelle marque, né sous le signe de Aucella, entreprise avec 90 ans d’histoire dans le domaine de la vente en gros précieux, en particulier dans l’importation directe de perles. Maintenant, l’entreprise a décidé de faire cavalier seul, en utilisant un jeu de mots. Amami, en fait, en italien est une demande d’amour (cela signifie aime-moi), mais il est aussi le nom de l’île du Japon d’où ils viennent les plus belles perles Akoya, utilisé pour les produits de bijoux de Aucella. Une heureuse coïncidence. La société met l’accent sur la qualité des perles utilisé, sélectionné directement à la source, afin d’assurer des normes élevées en termes de pureté, la propreté, la brillance et la sphéricité. La perle, entre autres choses, est de retour à grande pour quelques mois dans le sillage du style Gatsby le magnifique. Les débuts de Amami a coïncidé avec VicenzaOro automne. Maintenant perles font leur chemin vers les magasins.

Die Perle sagte: Amami

Amami, in der Mitte des Marcianise Goldschmied. Es ist nicht ein Vorschlag für das Wochenende, aber der Name einer neuen Marke, unter dem Zeichen des Aucella, Unternehmen mit 90 Jahren auf dem Gebiet der Großhandelsedel geboren, vor allem in den direkten Import von Perlen. Jetzt hat das Unternehmen beschlossen, es alleine zu machen, mit einem Wortspiel. Amami, in der Tat, in Italienisch ist eine Forderung für die Liebe (es bedeutet zu lieben mich), aber es ist auch der Name der Insel Japan, aus denen sie kommen, die feinsten Akoya-Perlen, Schmuck für Produkte aus Aucella verwendet. Ein glücklicher Zufall. Das Unternehmen betont die Qualität der Perlen verwendet, direkt von der Quelle ausgewählt, um hohe Standards in Bezug auf Reinheit, Sauberkeit, Glanz und Kugelform zu gewährleisten. Die Perle, unter anderem hat zu groß für ein paar Monate im Zuge der Great Gatsby-Stil zurück. Das Debüt von Amami fiel mit VicenzaOro Fall. Jetzt Perlen ihren Weg zu den Geschäften.

Перл сказал: Амами

Амами, в центре Marcianise ювелира. Это не предложение на выходные, но название нового бренда, родился под знаком Aucella, компании с 90-летней историей в области оптовой драгоценный, особенно в прямой импорт жемчуга. Теперь компания решила действовать в одиночку, используя игру слов. Амами, на самом деле, по-итальянски это спрос на любви (это означает любить меня), но это также название острова Японии из которого они выходят лучшие Akoya жемчуга, используемого для ювелирных изделий из Aucella.Счастливое совпадение. Компания подчеркивает качество жемчуга используется, отобранных непосредственно из источника, для обеспечения высоких стандартов в плане чистоты, чистоты, блеска и сферичности. Жемчужина, среди прочего, вернулся в большой течение нескольких месяцев в результате Великий Гэтсби стиле. Дебют Amami совпало с VicenzaOro грехопадения. Теперь жемчуг пробиваются к магазинам.

La Perla dijo: Amami

Amami, en el centro de Marcianise orfebre. No es una propuesta para el fin de semana, pero el nombre de una nueva marca, nació bajo el signo de Aucella, empresa con 90 años de historia en el campo de la venta al por mayor precioso, especialmente en la importación directa de perlas. Ahora la compañía ha decidido ir por su cuenta, utilizando un juego de palabras. Amami, de hecho, en italiano es una demanda de amor (que significa me encanta), pero también es el nombre de la isla de Japón de la que proceden las mejores perlas de Akoya, que se utiliza para productos de joyería de Aucella. Una feliz coincidencia. La compañía hace hincapié en la calidad de las perlas utilizado, seleccionado directamente de la fuente, para asegurar altos estándares en términos de pureza, limpieza, brillo y esfericidad. La perla, entre otras cosas, se ha vuelto demasiado grande para unos pocos meses en la estela de estilo Gran Gatsby. El debut de Amami coincidió con VicenzaOro Fall. Ahora perlas hacen su camino a las tiendas.