The Secret Life of Akoya: 10 Days Inside Japan’s Protected Pearl World

[jshepherd]

This is a beautiful write up by Esther Ligthart, who joined @jeg and I on the trip to Japan in November!

It was a warm July evening when a message appeared on my phone, the kind of message that feels casual when you first read it, yet lingers longer than expected once the screen goes dark.
“I would like to connect you with the president of the Pearl Association of America,” it read.

At the time, it felt like a kind introduction, nothing more than a thoughtful gesture between people who move within the same industry. I could not yet know that this small message would quietly unfold into a ten-day journey to Japan, nor that it would bring me closer to the origin of Akoya pearls and to questions I had been carrying with me for far longer than I realized.

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The Secret Life of Akoya: 10 Days Inside Japan’s Protected Pearl World

What does it actually take to create a single Akoya pearl? I spent ten days behind the scenes with the Japan Pearl Exporters Association (JPEA), traveling from remote island bays to the high-stakes sorting rooms of Kobe. It wasn't just a business trip; it was a lesson in harmony, history, and...

www.bizzita.com

 

[jeg]

A wonderful recap of our trip!

 

[Christine.]

Che grande esperienza conoscere e vedere tutto questo. Veramente un sogno sarebbe per me poterlo fare di persona.. La ringrazio, le perle portano sempre bellezza ovunque siano.

 

[CortezPearls]

Thanks for the share! Loved the article and to see so many familiar faces in the photos. I wish I could have been there!

 

[A Breaker]

Absolutely lovely!!!

 

[jhai004]

Can someone tell me if this is an AKOYA PEARL or not, my grandma gave it to me 9 years ago before she passed away, the only thing she shared about this pearl is, this pearl is given by her boss when she was working in JAPAN, she worked like 16 years 8n Japan, and she said this pearl is very precious and has a high priced in the market, i have no idea àbout pearls, and don't have time to look for it i just keep it and put it on my old cabinet i actually almost forgot about this pearl, i just accidentally saw it when i checked and clean the cabinet and kinda curious how much it worth but like i said i dont have knowledge about pearls thats why i look for a page/groups or people to atleast shared or give me any info or knowledge about this pearl i have, and hopefully can give me an estimated price of this pearl,

There is a STERLING word on the metal clasp,

Your help and answer is much appreciated

Truly yours, from Philippines



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[Pearl Dreams]

@jhai004,

They are akoyas but their condition is not good. A number of them appear to be worn down right to the bead nucleus, with little to no nacre remaining. It looks like there may also be a buildup of grime on them that makes it hard to tell their condition or luster.

I do not think these have much resale value to be honest, but there may be enough pearls with nacre to make a bracelet from, if you wish to wear it. Maybe even a choker.

First I'd give the bracelet a bath in some soapy water, and let them sit in it for 15 minutes or so. Then wipe them clean with a soft cloth and rinse them. Leave them to dry on a soft clean towel. That should show you how many pearls there are that are still lustrous and that still have nacre.

 

[ennui]

jhai004 -- I think we've got a duplicate topic running, under "Can someone help me identify and can give me an estimated market price"

 

[Pearl Dreams]

jhai004 -- I think we've got a duplicate topic running, under "Can someone help me identify and can give me an estimated market price"

Good catch @ennui. I posted a link on that thread to lead here.