Pearl TypesAkoya, Tahitian, South Sea, Freshwater
The character of a pearl depends on which oyster grew it, and in which sea.
Choose a type to see where it comes from, its colors, and what to look for.
Akoya pearls are the pearls Japan is known for. In the early 1900s, Japan became the first country to culture round pearls, and ever since, Akoya has been loved around the world as the classic pearl.
The Akoya oyster is smaller than other pearl oysters, and so are its pearls. Their nacre is thin and finely layered, which gives Akoya pearls their delicate, deep luster. Many are close to perfectly round, and they have long been loved for everything from formal occasions to everyday wear.
How to Choose- LusterThe sharper the reflections on the surface, the higher the quality. Bring the pearl close and look at how clearly it mirrors your face.
- NacreThe thickness of the pearl layers. Thicker nacre means a more durable pearl and deeper color.
- ColorWhite with a hint of pink, known as "white pink", is the most popular.
We carry everything from the highest grades, such as Aurora Tennyo and Aurora Hanadama certified by the Pearl Science Laboratory, to rare large pearls of 9 mm and above. Our certified pearl specialists will help you choose, pearl by pearl, for the occasion you have in mind.
For pieces not shown here, feel free to ask us by Instagram DM.
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Tahitian pearls are grown by the black-lipped oyster in the lagoons of Tahiti (French Polynesia) and other parts of the South Pacific. They are often called "black pearls", but their color is never simply black. Green, grey, blue, purple, brown: over a dark base, each pearl carries its own overtones, and its look changes with the angle of view.
The most sought-after color is "peacock", where green and reddish purple overlap in a single pearl, like the feathers of a peacock. These colors are not dyed. They are made by the oyster itself, which is a large part of the appeal of Tahitian pearls.
How to Choose- ColorStart with the color you like. Peacock, green, silver grey, chocolate: this is a pearl you can choose purely by taste.
- LusterThe better the luster, the deeper the color appears. On darker pearls, differences in luster are easy to see.
- ShapePerfectly round pearls are rare. Drops and baroques are also popular, and are part of the charm of Tahitian pearls.
We have been named a Tahitian Pearl Sales Ambassador, a title given to companies that have helped spread the appeal of Tahitian pearls, for three years running since 2024. Our pearls are bought directly at auction, selected for depth of color. Certified Tahitian pearls are shown on our official Instagram.
For pieces not shown here, feel free to ask us by Instagram DM.
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South Sea pearls are grown by the silver-lipped and gold-lipped oysters in the warm southern seas of Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. These are the largest of the pearl oysters, so the pearls grow large too, and pearls over 10 mm are not unusual.
Their nacre is thick, and their luster is soft and refined, as if the light returns slowly from deep inside. The color follows the lip of the oyster: silver-lipped oysters give white and silver pearls, gold-lipped oysters give golden ones.
How to Choose- ColorWhite, silver and gold. In gold, the deeper the color, the rarer the pearl.
- SizeAt the same quality, the larger the pearl, the rarer it is. Above 11 mm, the presence of a pearl increases noticeably.
- LusterThe luster of a South Sea pearl is judged by its softness. Look for a glow from within rather than a hard shine.
The gentle, generous glow of a South Sea pearl shows best in a single-pearl pendant or a pair of earrings. New arrivals are posted on our official Instagram; if something catches your eye, send us a DM. We are also happy to discuss custom settings.
Freshwater pearls are grown not in the sea but in lakes and rivers, by freshwater mussels such as the Hyriopsis. Lake Biwa in Japan was once the main source; today most are cultured in China.
Most used to be "non-nucleated", grown from a small piece of mantle tissue alone, though nucleated freshwater pearls are now becoming common. A non-nucleated pearl is nacre all the way through, and comes in a great variety of shapes: rice, drop, coin, button. The colors, too, are the natural colors of the mussel: white, pink, orange, purple and more.
How to Choose- ShapeFreedom of shape is the charm of freshwater pearls. Enjoy choosing a shape to suit the design.
- ColorPink and purple pearls may be natural or treated in color. If you would like to know, just ask.
- LusterA pearl with good luster glows softly over its whole surface.
With a few exceptions, our freshwater pearl jewelry is made in Japan. We offer easy-to-wear pieces that make the most of each pearl's color and shape.
For pieces not shown here, feel free to ask us by Instagram DM.
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A keshi is a small pearl that forms in the oyster by chance, without a nucleus being inserted. It happens when a nucleus is rejected during culturing or the oyster reacts to a tiny foreign particle, so keshi cannot be made on purpose. The name comes from the Japanese word for poppy seed, after their small size.
With no nucleus, a keshi is nacre all the way through, giving it a strong luster and a soft light of its own. Most are irregular in shape, and no two are alike.
How to Choose- LightBeing pure nacre, a good keshi shines strongly even at a small size. Look for a soft glow rather than a hard glare.
- ColorKeshi from black-lipped oysters are grey or green; from silver- and gold-lipped oysters, silver or gold. They carry the color of the oyster that grew them.
- WearKeshi suit earrings and bracelets that gather several pearls, and combine well with other pearls.
Baroque is the collective name for pearls with distinctive, non-round shapes. The word comes from the Portuguese for "irregular pearl", and later gave its name to a style of art. The shape is the result of a pearl growing freely inside the oyster, and no two are the same.
They range from drops and ovals to free forms and near-round "semi-baroques", and occur in every type: Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea and freshwater. Tahitian and South Sea baroques in particular, with their size and depth of color, have a sculptural presence.
How to Choose- ShapeStart with whether you like the shape. The way the look changes with the light is part of the fun of a baroque.
- LusterBecause the shape is free, the luster decides the impression.
- WearBaroques suit single-pearl pendants and earrings, in designs that make the shape the star.
CertificateCertificate Grades
Certificates from the Pearl Science Laboratory carry two grades.
Each name is a combination of the type of pearl and the grade it received.
Pearls rated highest in all five criteria: nacre, luster, surface, shape and color.
Pearls judged on luster alone, and found to be of the very highest brilliance.
* English translations marked with an asterisk are provided for reference and have not been verified as official English designations by the Pearl Science Laboratory.
Specially Selected Pearl CertificationJapan Pearl Exporters' Association
A certification judged by the trade itself: the Japan Pearl Exporters' Association, which handles the export and processing of pearls. Nacre, luster, shape, surface and color are reviewed by a panel of six or more association officers, and only pearls approved unanimously receive the "Specially Selected Pearl" certificate and tag. It applies to Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearls.
The upper class: pearls of exceptional quality, selected with rarity also taken into account.
The highest-quality class, meeting the full Specially Selected Pearl standard.
We also carry large pearls and top-grade pearls that are not listed in our online store. See the certified pieces we have delivered, with photos, certificate grades and sizes.
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