Gem Focus May 2026: Akoya Pearls
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)Akoya pearls come from the Pinctada genus of saltwater oysters, specifically Pinctada fucata (martensii).
Kokichi Mikimoto developed the process behind culturing akoya pearls in Japan more than a century ago, and akoya pearl farming since then has expanded to production in other countries, including north Vietnam and the southern coast of China.
Cultured akoya pearls are loved for their white to cream color, mirror-like shine, nice overtones, and round shape.
Here are three things to know about akoya pearls in the modern market:
- Pricing of akoya pearls has gone up in the past few years. This is due in part to increased demand as modern designs showcase pearls in new ways and greater buying from Chinese consumers. But akoya pearl production is also beholden to environmental factors, such as viruses and warming waters, all of which can keep production dampened and drive prices up.
- In 2023, GIA added a report comment for the historical trade term “Hanadama” to distinguish a designated quality range of cultured akoya pearls, designed to help consumers make more informed choices. To receive the “Hanadama” comment, cultured akoya pearls must display a combination of all the GIA Pearl Value Factors classification ranges: round to near-round shape, white bodycolor, excellent luster, clean to lightly spotted surface, excellent to very good matching, and sufficient nacre thickness and quality.
- The most expensive pearl at auction is still the historic “La Peregrina,” once owned by actress Elizabeth Taylor. It sold at Christie’s New York in 2011 for $11.8 million, more than four times its estimated price. Dating from the 16th century, the 50.6-carat necklace was a gift from Taylor’s then-husband, Richard Burton, who bought it in an auction in 1969 for $37,000 (£15,400). The pearl, ruby, and diamond necklace was given to Queen Mary of England by her husband, King Philip II of Spain, in the late 1800s and was in royal collections for centuries after.
To see full akoya pearl wholesale pricing charts, per pearl and by the strand, subscribe to the GemGuide now.
Learn more about akoya pearls in the modern market with these links.
Peeking Behind the Japanese Pearl Curtain (GemGuide)
Emily Blunt Shines in Pearl Body Necklace That Costs Half-a-Million Dollars at Met Gala 2026 (People)
From Classic to Cutting-Edge, These 3 New Collections Give Pearls a Modern Makeover (JCK)