* Prices vary significantly by size, nacre thickness (“maki”), luster, surface, and strand matching. Comparing actual pieces in person is recommended.

Features by Type & How to Choose

Akoya — Japan’s classic with strong luster; versatile from formal to daily

• Features: Cultured in Japan’s clear coastal waters with meticulous craft. Multiple, fine nacre layers produce a crisp, refined luster (teri) that reads as quality at a glance. Although typically compact in size, Akoya strands still project presence around the face and blend naturally from formal to everyday wear. The refined sheen flatters skin tone and neckline, making Akoya a timeless staple for adults who want understated elegance. Color & Size: White to pink tones that flatter many skin tones; core sizes 7–8 mm.
  

• Color & Size: White to pink tones that flatter many skin tones; core sizes 7–8 mm.
  

• Recommended For: First strand, bridal, milestone gifts (new job, promotion).
  

• Signature Items: Akoya necklaces / solitaire pendants / earrings.

  
  
  

South Sea (White & Gold) — Dignified presence in larger sizes

• Features: Harvested from white-lipped oysters in warm waters (Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia and so on). Pearls are generally larger with thicker nacre, yielding a stately presence and a deep, velvety luster. White (silver-lipped) pieces feel silky and graceful; golden (gold-lipped) pieces convey festivity and prestige—excellent with bridal looks, evening dresses, and formalwear.

• Color & Size: White (silver-lipped) / golden (gold-lipped). 10–13 mm are mainstream.
  

• Recommended For: A special statement piece, presence-focused styling, upgrading formal attire.
  

• Signature Items: Earrings / South Sea necklaces / golden pendants.

Tahiti — Atmospheric iridescence; striking for modern looks

• Features: A South Sea pearl grown by the black-lipped oyster, cultured chiefly in French Polynesia (Tahiti). Despite the “black” name, colors span peacock green, gray, purple, blue, green, and silver; interference hues shift with light and viewing angle, giving unique depth and atmosphere. The contemporary, slightly edgy look works unisex, pairing well with monochrome outfits and tailored menswear. Green and peacock tones are especially sought after; in strands, consistent color and luster matching greatly affects value.

• Color & Size: Commonly 8–12 mm. Because color range is broad, matching within a strand directly impacts value.

• Recommended For: Individualistic looks, modern/monotone outfits, mens styling.

• Signature Items: Earrings / Tahiti necklaces / single-pearl pieces for men.
  
  

Freshwater  — Brode variety & friendly prices; your everyday ally

• Features: Cultured in lakes and rivers (e.g., Hyriopsis), predominantly in China, with broad variety in color, shape, and size. Beyond perfect rounds, you’ll find oval, drop, and baroque shapes that highlight organic charm and design freedom. Because multiple pearls can be grown in a single mollusk, freshwater pieces are comparatively budget-friendly, making them easy to add for daily wear, layering, souvenirs, and gifts.
  

• Color & Size: White to pink tones; core sizes 3–5 mm. Great for multi-row and station designs.

• Recommended For: Daily wear, layering, souvenirs and gifts.
  

• Signature Items: Freshwater pearl necklaces.

 

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How to Choose (by purpose)

• Bridal / formal → Akoya 7.5–8 mm / white tones
  
  

• Emphasize “rank” & presence → South Sea (white or golden) 10–12 mm
  
  

• Modern or mens looks → Tahitian 9–11 mm / peacock–green range
  
  

• Easy everyday & layering → Freshwater 3-5 mm station or solitaire
  
  

When in doubt, check skin tone & hair color in person. As a tendency, warm tones suit golden or pink, cool tones suit silver or gray.

 

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Necklace Size Guide

• 5.0–6.0 mm: Light and easy for daily wear; subtle on video calls
  
  

• 7.0–8.5 mm: The all-rounder for business through formal (Akoya “standard”)
  
  

• 10 mm and up (South Sea / Tahitian): Rich, elegant, statement presence
  
  

 

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FAQ

Q1. What is “Hanadama”?
A. Historically in Japan, the term referred to exceptionally beautiful pearls among domestically produced cultured pearls—rare at the time of harvest. Today it is also used as a high-quality category of Akoya assessed by a third-party laboratory for luster, nacre thickness, surface, etc. OHARA PEARL offers some items with Pearl Science Laboratory (PSL) reports.

Q2. Are black pearls dyed?
A. Tahiti (black-lipped) pearls show natural colors derived from the mollusk, with attractive interference hues across greens and grays.
Black-colored Akoya pearls are dyed.

Q3. What should I choose within my budget?
A. Tell us your use, size, color, and budget, and we’ll compare actual pieces with you to find the optimal choice.

 

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Before You Buy Pearls in Tokyo  → Price Ranges & Visit Tips

Buying pearls in Ginza/Shinsaibashi? → Book an appointment

 (Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments help us serve you more comfortably during busy times.)