Japanese pearls popularly known worldwide as akoya saltwater pearls carry thick nacre and intense luster. Japanese cultured pearls are produced by a species of small oysters, Pinctada fucata, no bigger than 6 to 7 cm in size, Akoya oyster is a species of salt-water mollusk that produces this type of pearl. Japanese pearls larger than 10 mm in diameter are extremely rare and highly prized. Best time to harvest these cultured pearls is during periods when the oysters are dormant. This occurs during the hottest and coldest times of the year. If harvested some other time it may bring less layers of nacre and dull luster.

Kokichi Mikimoto had perfected the technique of culturing akoya pearls. Mikimoto grew full-round pearls by inserting beads into the pinctada martensii mollusk, now simply called akoya. Japanese pearls luster and luminescent depth rivaled naturals pearls which are rarity now.

China has emerged now to grow high quality akoya pearls. Water quality in famous biwa lake of Japan has tremendously affected the production of high quality akoya Japanese pearls and many large Japanese pearl growers have switched their productions or affiliated with Chinese pearl farms to grow akoya cultured pearls and monitor the high standard quality of pearl harvesting. As a result there has been quite a jump in the sale of Japanese pearls both in domestic and international markets.

Akoya pearl necklaces have become symbols for beauty and elegance and one of the most popular pearls the world over. Japanese pearls are in fact the epitome for the classic beauty, quality and grace when it comes to pearl luster. High thick luster is a hallmark for any pearl. Each pearl is hand-knotted to make full matching pearl necklace. Japanese pearls are indeed adorable and much sought after. White color Japanese pearls are the best and traditional classic pearls. There was a time when only rich could afford pearls and hence it became precious and more so a status symbols among rich people to possess and show off pearl jewelry but not anymore. With the modern improved techniques of culturing pearls, it has now become affordable by everyone. Pearls are always in fashion and always in style.