What Is The Difference Between Freshwater Pearls and Akoya Pearls?

Pearls are iconic gemstones that are formed in water. They are normally formed in saltwater, but this variety is very rare. The ones formed in non-saline water, such as rivers, lakes, etc., are known as freshwater pearls. These are also often cultured, which is man-made. There are pearl farmers who farm these pearls in controlled environments, deciding the mollusks to use, implanting the tissue, etc., to form these pearls. Cultured pearls are used for farming the gemstones to cater to the wide demand for these gemstones. There is no age limit to pearls, and they are timeless. Everyone who wears them looks good in them. They are beautiful—milky white with a shine of their own. But freshwater pearls, especially cultured ones, can be of different colors as well. 
 

The price of the pearls varies based on many factors, including their type, size, shape, and color. The freshwater variety has also proven to be a jewelry designer favorite. As these are easily available and come in so many different varieties and forms, they are easy to work with and incorporate into designs as well. 
 

Even though freshwater pearls are not as expensive as natural pearls, they are still valuable because they are timeless. And if you purchase good quality pearls, they are sure to last generations and become a family heirloom.

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Pearls that are formed in ocean water are known as Akoya pearls. These are high-end, luxury gemstones that are mainly farmed in the eastern country of Japan. They have a "ball-bearing" luster and are also mirror-like. They are also the perfect round shape and match perfectly well with other pearls of this variety. Their colors include the obvious white, gold, pistachio, and blue, as well as silver-blue. They also come in black, but this is color-treated. 
 

When we say these pearls are mirror-like, we mean that you can actually see your reflection in these gemstones. In the highest-quality ones, you can also make out details such as the shape of your mouth, nose, or eyes. 
 

It goes without saying that these pearls are also heirloom-quality ones. And because they are formed in saltwater, these pearls are also very expensive because of the rarity factor. 

Before we go any further into the differences between freshwater and Akoya pearls, let us first understand how exactly a pearl is formed.
 

The gemstone develops after a tiny irritant enters a mollusk and lodges itself there. It then starts to give off a layer around it called nacre. Multiple such layers have been formed over the years, and this, as a whole, is what forms a pearl. 
 

In freshwater, especially with cultured pearls, the tissue is surgically put inside the mollusk, which then forms the nacre layers that result in pearls. Also, in cultured pearls, the type of mollusk used also depends on the farmers. On Beads of Cambay, you will find these in various shapes and sizes as well as colors such as green freshwater pearls, blue, champagne, pink, lavender, etc. 

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Akoya pearls are usually farmed in Japan. They are formed in ocean water, hence they are very expensive due to their rarity factor. Freshwater ones, as their name suggests, are formed in non-saline waters such as rivers, lakes, or ponds. These are also often cultured pearls as well. Both pearls have a vast difference but are unique in their own way. Due to its widespread availability, the latter is also cheaper. It is still beautiful despite this, however.  
 

Let us now go into the details of the top 12 differences between the two pearls—freshwater and akoya.

The shape of the gemstone is the main difference between freshwater and akoya pearls. When you picture a pearl necklace in your mind, you are most likely to think of a perfectly-beaded white necklace with pearls that look identical. This picture in your mind is that of akoya pearls. They are perfectly round, match perfectly in shape, shine, quality and size, and have a beautiful white appearance. 

These pearls are perfectly uniform. They are also called '8 way rollers' due to their ability to smoothly and evenly roll on a flat surface in all directions.

They are also perfectly shaped, which too adds to their value. For example, if you buy a pair of pearl earrings, their cost is likely to depend on how exactly the pearls of both earrings match in a set. Higher prices are associated with closer matches.

There are also baroque pearls available in akoya ones. However, shoppers for the same belong to their own niche, which is mostly collectors, who are actually aware of these pearls. 

The freshwater variety of pearls come in various shapes and are the most commonly-found pearls in jewelry stores.

The luster or shine of a pearl is also another factor that determines the gemstone's value. A pearl without its shine is just a bead and cannot be counted as a gemstone that is precious. The luster gives the pearl its glow, shine as well as reflectivity on the surface. 

Akoya pearls are mirror-like. You can look at yourself on these pearls' surfaces and the most high-quality ones, and you will be able to see details of your face as well in these pearls, such as your eyes, teeth, etc. 

The freshwater variety, on the other hand, has a “satin-like” softer shine. Pearls are characterized by their shine, which indicates their quality.
 

Both akoya, as well as freshwater types of pearls, have blemishes on them that have similarities in a way that they are not easily noticeable, small, white, or colorless. 
 

In pearls formed in freshwater, their blemishes include dents, smooth rides, streaks present in the nacre layers, as well as irregular nacre accumulation in a certain spot. 

Akoya pearls will have blemishes, such as small wrinkles in the nacre layer and spots just under the nacre, among others.

It is, however, important to remember that a higher-quality pearl will have fewer flaws.

The sizes of pearls in the akoya and freshwater categories start from 2mm to 100mm and can also be larger in the latter's case.
 

Freshwater ones have a wider variety of sizes. Let us go over them – When it comes to large hole pearls, these are exactly what the name suggests – large. These pearls are sure to capture the attention of everyone because of their large size. If you are looking to buy such gemstones, then Beads of Cambay is your best bet to purchase these. The gemstones are of the highest quality, look absolutely stunning, and are available for purchase at the best rates in the market.

Another purchase you can make from Beads of Cambay is the Keshi Freshwater Pearls. These are very different from your regular pearls as they are actually formed as a by-product of these gemstones. They are small and in different shapes. They are way cheaper than the freshwater ones. These gemstones are formed in the inner lining of the mollusk when the other pearls are formed. However, the entire process of pearl development is so beautiful that even its by-product has its own fan base and has become its own type.

Other than this, you can also buy coin freshwater pearls. These are completely flat, thin, button-like, and crisp. These jewelry pieces have a very bohemian, beachy look. It is very different, and you are sure to love these!

The akoya pearls are undoubtedly very expensive as compared to their freshwater counterparts. This is because they are extremely rare, whereas freshwater ones cater to greater demand, are comparatively affordable, and are also easily accessible.

Even though the freshwater varieties are cheaper, they are still pearls! A timeless, precious gemstone. They also come in various shapes and sizes as well as colors. So you are able to reimagine your natural pearls in various varieties and have so many different styles of wearing them.
 

Beads of Cambay have the most high-quality freshwater pearls available at the best rates in the market. Once you look at the competitive pricing and the quality of the product, you are most likely to keep coming back to make all your future purchases from us only. 

Pearls formed in ocean water are the rarest forms of pearls, the purest forms of pearls. These are the most natural pearls out there. Hence, these are very expensive.
 

Their freshwater counterparts, on the other hand, are widely available due to their great demand. Pearls are timeless gemstones, and nearly everyone wants to own them. In order to make them more accessible, they are farmed in freshwater, making them more accessible and affordable when compared to their marine counterparts. These may not be very rare, but they are beautiful nonetheless. Browse through the Beads of Cambay website to purchase these precious gemstones. 

The akoya pearls have lesser color variations as compared to the freshwater ones. They come in the colors white, gold, blue, pistachio, as well as silver-blue. Akoya pearls in black are usually color-treated.
 

Pearls formed in freshwater, on the other hand, have a wider color range. Apart from the obvious white pearls, these include champagne pearls, orange, peach, blue freshwater pearls, green, red, pink, brown, pastel shades in the pink to red to lavender color scheme, black, and others.

Akoya pearls originate in marine waters, whereas freshwater ones are formed in non-saline waters such as lakes, rivers, etc. As the akoya ones are formed in saltwater, they are very rare to find, hence more expensive. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, are not as rare, hence a cheaper alternative. They are more accessible, and designers love working with them. Even though they are cheaper, it does not make them any less precious. They are gemstones, after all!

Akoya pearls are also mainly produced in Japan, whereas freshwater ones are dominant in China. However, the latter are also produced in the US and Australia.

The Japanese used to believe pearls were formed as a result of the tears of angels and mermaids. In China, the belief was that these gemstones kept one safe from dragons and fire.
 

In many cultures, pearls represent the moon. In present times, it also represents faith, purity, innocence, wisdom, humility, and wealth. White pearls are associated with beauty, new beginnings, as well as innocence.
 

Nacre is the calcium carbonate layer that a mussel or oyster secretes when a pearl is forming. This layer determines the luster and quality of the pearls. Their thickness can range in the medium to think categories. Pearls formed in freshwater have a thick nacre layer, whereas akoya ones have around a 1mm thick layer, which is quite thin, making them more delicate. 

Pearls are the gemstones of those born in June, the official birthstone for the zodiac Gemini. All pearls such as akoya and freshwater are considered June birthstones.

These gemstones are associated with the moon. They symbolize innocence, new beginnings, purity, humility, and wisdom. They also showcase richness and opulence. Adding an element of pearls to your outfit will instantly give it a richer look. 

Pearls can be graded from A to AAAA or from heirloom quality to even good. These gemstones are graded based on their size, surface, color, nacre, and shine. 

The type of pearl that you should buy will depend on many factors, most importantly your budget, the color, the size and the shape you want, etc. Akoya pearls are more expensive than freshwater ones because they are rarer. While there is a difference between the two types of pearls, they are both just as beautiful and look stunning when you wear them. 
 

Beads of Cambay have both saltwater and freshwater pearls. These are the best quality gemstones that you are sure to get at the best market prices, with impeccable service as well. If you are looking for something beachy, you can choose to wear freshwater pearls. Among colors, you can opt for the champagne freshwater pearls or even the metallic blue and green ones if you are looking for something different. 
 

Browse through our website to get a good look at our vast pearl portfolio and pick the one that fits all your criteria. You are sure to love them and are most likely to keep coming back to order more as well.