The Akoya pearls are the best known of all pearls. They are best known as the Japanese “ Akoyas”, the classic, round, white pearls. These cultured saltwater pearls are grown from pearl producing oysters. It is noteworthy to mention that china is also a major producer of Akoyas.

Akoya pearls are lustrous, round, white pearls. The pearls are more perfectly round than most other pearls, and have the highest luster, which makes them more desirable and valuable. A major disadvantage of the pearls is that they rarely exceed 10 millimeters in diameter, and when they do, they command an exceptionally high price.

Akoyas are saltwater pearls a command a much higher price than freshwater cultured pearls. Various pieces of Akoya pearl jewelry can cost thousands of dollars or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Only the rich and famous and connoisseurs of fine pearl gems can afford such jewelry.

Pearls have become an essential for any well-dressed woman today. However, every woman cannot afford expensive Akoya pearl jewelry. Thus, nature has provided less fortunate women with an excellent alternative, cultured freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearls occur in a variety of colors, which give them tremendous appeal. The colors include white, light, medium, and dark orange, lavender, purple, blue, pink, rose and gray. Such as wide range of colors make the pearls more versatile. The pearls are not as lustrous as their salt-water counterparts (Akoyas).

The pearls are durable, resisting chipping, wear, and degeneration. Thus, they can last a lifetime. Another unique feature of fresh water pearls is that they can be worn singly or grouped in alternating colors, either hanging straight or twisted for an more stunning effect. The pearls also come in a variety of different shapes. In addition to the versatility offered by the wide range of colors and shapes, freshwater pearls (with the exception of the round) are very inexpensive.

However, AAA quality cultured freshwater pearls, 8-9 mm are nearly indistinguishable from a similar set of Akoya pearls at a fraction of the price. Thus, if you cannot afford the pricey saltwater pearls, you can always opt for an affordable, beautiful fresh water pearl jewelry set which generally includes a necklac and a bracelet for the a fraction of the cost you would pay for a similar Akoya pearl jewelry set.

Many online jewelry boutiques feature beautiful freshwater pearl jewelry sets that you can choose from at affordable prices. These sets also make for a perfect gift for special occasions, such as graduations, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and weddings. They are a popular choice for brides on their wedding day. The opulence and beauty of the gems makes them the perfect accessory for any bride.

White pearls, especially have been recognized as symbols of purity, modesty and chastity, thus the ideal jewelry to be adorned by the bride on her wedding day. Pearls also make great gifts for bridal parties and mothers-of-the bride and groom. Thus, you should not hesitate to browse the online jewelry boutiques to find the jewelry you like and that you can afford.