Difference Between Akoya and Freshwater Pearls (With Table)

The most popular varieties of pearls are Akoya pearls and Freshwater pearls. The creation of pearls within a clam is heavily influenced by the water and surrounding environment. As a result, features such as those in the color and shine of the pearls are determined by the choice of water in which the clam is floating.

Akoya vs Freshwater Pearls

The main difference between Akoya and Freshwater pearls is that Akoya pearls are white having pink and grey hues. On the other hand, Freshwater pearls come in a range of colors, ranging from white to pink to purple. Akoya pearls are likewise significantly uncommon and thus more valuable than freshwater pearls.

Difference Between Akoya and Freshwater Pearls

Akoya Pearls are indeed a unique type of pearl that can only be found in Japan and South Korea. Only white pearls with minor pink or grey tints are created in this style. Completely circular Akoya pearls are extremely difficult to obtain, and as a result, such pearls are quite valuable.

Freshwater pearls are mostly grown in lakes and ponds, and they will be grown in a variety of locations across the world. Such pearls can be grown in a range of colors, ranging from white to pink to lavender, and perfectly spherical pearls are more prevalent. As a result, these pearls are less rare and may be purchased at a variety of prices.

Comparison Table Between Akoya and Freshwater Pearls

Parameters of ComparisonAkoyaFreshwater Pearls
Meaning


Akoya pearls are a unique type of pearl that is only found in China and Japan.Freshwater pearls are a much more frequent type of pearl that is grown in lakes and streams.
RadianceAkoya pearls are well-known for their dazzling brightness.Freshwater pearls lack the radiance of Akoya pearls.
HueAkoya pearls are exclusively available in white, with pink and grey overtones.Freshwater pearls may be grown in a variety of hues, including white, pink, and lavender.
Uncommon
Akoya pearls are extremely uncommon and hence quite valuable.Freshwater pearls are less costly since they are more prevalent.

Medication
Akoya pearls aren’t processed in any way.Freshwater pearls are occasionally improved using bleach and other chemicals.

What is Akoya?

Akoya pearls are among the most valuable pearls throughout the globe. It is a form of cultured pearl that is indigenous to Japan and China. They are also among the rarest and most valuable pearls in the world.

After then, the pearl is aged 18 to two years. The more time the pearl is allowed to grow, the deeper the nacre layers become. Because Akoya pearls generally develop either one two pearls at a time, the price of such pearls is greater.

The magnificent brightness and sparkle that all these pearls emit are probably the main reason for their rarity. As these are the finest luminous naturally produced pearls, they are exceedingly expensive.

Another explanation is the pearls’ widespread scarcity. These pearls are not as frequent as freshwater pearls, and completely circular samples with no flaws are quite unusual.

As a result, jewelry manufactured from this variety of pearls commands a premium price. Akoya pearls, unlike some other produced pearls, do not come in a variety of hues.

These pearls are predominantly white, with pink and grey overtones. These pearls have a stunning brilliance, with a bright white gloss.

These pearls have not been treated in any way to enhance their color or brightness. In contrast to certain other freshwater pearls, which are bleached and handled with additional chemicals, Akoya pearls are not bleached.

What is Freshwater Pearls?

Freshwater pearls are farmed pearls that are grown in bodies of fresh water such as ponds and lakes. These may be grown practically anyplace. A little bit of shell tissue is inserted directly within the clam to generate freshwater pearls.

On the inside of the clam, the mantle tissue becomes enveloped by nacre over time, resulting in the development of a pearl. Freshwater pearls have more nacre than other kinds of pearls.

Freshwater pearls come in a range of hues as well. These pearls come in various colors from white to pink to purple. This is unique to these pearls, as other varieties of pearls, such as Akoya pearls, do not come in diverse colors.

Such pearls are likewise less glossy than Akoya pearls and consequently less costly. These pearls are much more frequent than some other sea pearls since they are cultivated.

Peach and lilac pearls are two of the most popular colors of Freshwater pearls used in jewelry. Freshwater pearls are treated chemically with bleaching and other chemical products to increase their brightness and color.

As a result, Freshwater pearls are less costly than Akoya pearls and may be obtained at a variety of cheap costs.

Main Differences Between Akoya and Freshwater Pearls

  1. Akoya Pearls are some kind of pearls that is cultivated in Asian countries. Freshwater pearls are commonly grown in ponds and lakes.
  2. The stunning brightness of Akoya pearls is well-known. Freshwater pearls do not even have the luster of Akoya pearls.
  3. Akoya pearls are primarily white, with subtle pink and gray nursery features tints. Freshwater pearls come in a variety of colors, including pink, lavender, yellow, and others.
  4. Akoya pearls are extremely uncommon and so therefore quite valuable. Freshwater pearls are quite frequent.
  5. Akoya pearls have never been chemically processed. To improve the color and luster of freshwater pearls, bleaching, and other chemical substances are used.

Conclusion

Pearls are highly regarded for their dazzling luster and are widely utilized in jewelry. Although all pearls appear identical to the unaided eye, there are some subtle but noticeable distinctions between various varieties of pearls that add to their value.

Akoya pearls are by far the most costly and rare cultured pearls. They are uncommon and have a dazzling shine that is distinctive to these pearls. White pearls are generally always found with these pearls.

Freshwater pearls are grown in bodies of fresh water such as lakes and streams. They are more frequent and less costly than Akoya pearls. These pearls are also available in a range of hues, however, they do not have a spectacular shine.

References

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0044848606007368
  2. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=SzkhMsW7Q14C&oi=fnd&pg=PA473&dq=akoya+pearls+and+freshwater+pearls&ots=583cVNPuua&sig=jEpTAer1v0Az2U_sirzJ9MxH8KY