How Akoya Pearls Are Made

Akoya pearls take about four years to cultivate before they are delivered to you as jewelry. From the cultivation of the mother-of-pearl that produces the pearls to the processing, everything is done by human hands.

1. Spat Collection and Juvenile Shell Cultivation

Most of the mother-of-pearl used to cultivate pearls are artificially fertilized, hatched, and grown. This process is called spat collection. The collected spat spend 1-2 months in tanks before being moved to the sea, where they grow into mother-of-pearl over approximately two years. A lot of skill and care goes into their growth, including cleaning off adhering matter, changing cages as they grow, selecting food, and adjusting water temperature. Raising them from spat also helps protect natural resources.

2. Preparation

Once the mother-of-pearl has grown, a nucleus needs to be inserted into its body. To reduce the reaction, the shells are first placed in a separate cage to suppress their physiological activity. This is called "preparation."

3. Shell Positioning and Pegging

Before inserting the nucleus into the shell, the shell's mouth must first be opened. For this purpose, the prepared mother-of-pearl are moved to a separate cage and arranged with their mouths facing upward. "Pegging" is the process of fixing the shell's mouth open due to its respiratory reflex.

4. Nucleus Insertion

The nucleus insertion technician inserts the spherical nucleus and the cells (pieces) that will form the nacre layer. This is a very delicate process that requires at least 10 years of experience to master. The artisans take extreme care not to stress the shells.

5. Recuperation (Temporary Hanging)

After nucleus insertion, the mother-of-pearl are rested in calm waters to recover their strength. They are gradually moved offshore while their condition is monitored.

6. Cultivation Management

Meticulous human management continues, including cleaning the shells, measures against high water temperatures, and evacuation from red tides. It is said that a single pearl requires thousands of human touches to be formed.

7. Pearl Harvesting and Extraction

Pearl extraction takes place from around December to February of the following year. The pearls are harvested at the optimal condition and then cleaned. Approximately four years after the cultivation of the mother-of-pearl, the pearls are born.

8. Sorting and Processing

The dried pearls are sorted one by one and then crafted into jewelry by skilled jewelers.