Unfortunately, this myth is being propagated for profit. Take for instance this quote currently posted well known internet site:
Quote:
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...Chinese Akoya are of much lower grade and quality and are at least 70% less valuable than Japanese Akoya.
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This is incorrect. Pearls are not appraised based on the country of origin. Take a high-end Chinese strand and a high-end Japanese strand and have them appraised. They will both appraise for approximately the same amount. Especially since the Japanese strand, if it is composed of 7.5mm or smaller pearls, is in all likelihood, made of mostly Chinese pearls.