[National Pearl]

Hi there, concerning one of your questions:

"By virtue of age alone, can one suggest that these pearls are (Japanese) Akoya in origin? They were purchased from a highly respected pearl dealer app. 30 years ago."

Based on the statement that you know these pearls are "fine" quality Akoya and purchased from a reputatable jewelry 30+ years ago, and that the size is 8-9mm, I think you can come to a safe conclusion that the Akoya are indeed Japanese in Origin. Even now, the Chinese despite their many advances in culturing are rarely capable of producing large Akoya of any consistent quality.