Natural Freshwater Pearl | Genuine Freshwater Pearl | Light Jewelry | 18K Gold Stud Earrings | Pearl Studs | Pearl Earrings 7575

Pearl Size | Available in 5.5–6mm, 6–6.5mm, 6.5–7mm, 7–7.5mm, 7.5–8mm, 8–8.5mm, 8.5–9mm With classic minimalism, we reintroduce the purest elegance of pearl earrings. Available in standard sizes from 5.5mm to 9.5mm, these single pearl stud earrings can be customized to suit individual preferences, perfect for both daily wear and formal occasions, adding a delicate radiance to your ensemble. The classic appeal of single pearl earrings lies in their ability to exude maximum warmth and luster within the smallest form. This collection offers multi-size options, whether for a delicate touch, everyday accent, or exquisite display at important events, you can find a pair that suits you. Whether as a gentle tribute to your mother or a refined indulgence for yourself, these small pearls will reflect your unique elegance. Our pearls are sourced from two major production areas, Japan and China, depending on the variety. They are then meticulously crafted in professional jewelry workshops in China, ensuring stable quality and exquisite craftsmanship to perfectly showcase the natural luster and charm of the pearls. 🔹 Japanese Origin | Akoya Sea Pearls, True Tahitian Pearls Akoya pearls are the most representative type of sea pearl, known as "Akoya" in Chinese. They are primarily cultivated in areas like Mie, Kumamoto, and Ehime in Japan, with the Seto Inland Sea coast being particularly renowned. Akoya pearls are nurtured by the **Pinctada fucata** oyster. Due to the small size of the oyster, each shell can only produce one pearl, requiring approximately 3 years of careful cultivation. Consequently, their production is relatively scarce, impacting their quality and price. Akoya pearls are nucleated pearls with exceptional roundness and a cool, brilliant luster, earning them the nickname "little light bulbs" in the pearl world and making them highly favored in the high-end jewelry sector. Their surface often exhibits a natural "orange peel" texture. Opting for a specially selected grade (with a Japanese certificate) ensures near-flawless quality and even more radiant luster. Their colors include cherry blossom pink, snow white, blue-pink, cool blue-green, aurora gold, and queen colors. Additionally, there are rare True Tahitian shades, a variation of Akoya with a natural pink-purple iridescence, highly sought after by collectors. 🔹 Chinese Origin | Freshwater Cultured Pearls China is the world's largest producer of freshwater pearls, with production concentrated in Zhejiang, Hunan, Jiangsu, and Anhui. Freshwater pearls are primarily cultured from large mussel species like the triangle shell mussel, where a single mussel can yield dozens of pearls simultaneously, resulting in a much higher output than sea pearls. In the past decade, with significant advancements in cultivation techniques and selection standards, high-quality freshwater pearls now rival Akoya pearls in roundness, nacre density, and luster. Although nucleated, top-grade freshwater pearls can achieve near-perfect roundness, possess a warm and translucent luster, and exhibit strong surface orient, all at a more accessible price point. They are an excellent value choice for everyday wear and designer jewelry. Regardless of whether you choose Akoya sea pearls or Chinese freshwater pearls, all items are crafted in our Chinese processing workshops, ensuring that every piece meets jewelry-grade standards from raw material to craftsmanship, adding elegant quality to your daily life. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54586131810_8f2fee49cc_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54585793436_ddd2e63e51_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54585797431_701d282b24_b.jpg Luster Description: Our AKOYA pearls are of medium-strong luster (you can clearly see the reflection of the light fixture and lens shape) https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54612499788_2b9fe5fd2c_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54612491829_772f02995e_b.jpg About Imperfection Description: (In the pearl grading guide: the circled areas can be used as a reference standard for pearls in our store) https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54586035868_cf01f90df0_b.jpg Our AKOYA pearls (including True Tahitian) are not certificate (flawless) grade. The imperfection ranges from minor to moderate. The location is near the drill hole (close to the earlobe) and will not be visible when worn. Example of Imperfection: Growth lines (small indentations) https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54612591065_01f92023b5_b.jpg AKOYA colors can have a pinkish or whitish hue (as shown): https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54612499748_f6924ee554_b.jpg We also have separate listings for AKOYA and True Tahitian pearls https://www.pinkoi.com/product/XppPCtXf Pearl Origin Description As our factory produces pearls and manufactures jewelry in-house, all pearl sizes are limited editions. Because pearl harvesting requires time, and if certain sizes become unavailable due to sell-outs or impacts from seawater and cultivation conditions affecting harvest, some styles may be temporarily out of stock. Please inquire about availability before ordering. Freshwater Pearls: China is currently the world's largest pearl producer, accounting for over 90% of global output. Its cultivation technology and pearl crafting techniques are leading the world. High-quality freshwater pearls offer a jewelry-grade visual effect and texture at a more accessible price, making them an ideal choice for designer jewelry and everyday wear. Wearing and Care Recommendations It is recommended to put on pearls as the last step of dressing, avoiding direct contact with cosmetics or perfumes. Avoid wearing them while bathing, visiting hot springs, swimming, or exercising to prolong the lifespan of your jewelry. After each wear, wipe with a soft dry cloth and store them separately in a velvet pouch to prevent friction and scratches. Avoid wearing them with 18k gold gemstones or jade bracelets (e.g., wearing multiple bracelets on your wrist) to prevent scratching the pearls. 💖 Follow us for the latest gemstone product information 📌 Latest arrivals on our pinkoi store 💌 If you like a specific color or type of gemstone, feel free to message us for custom orders. Unsure whether to choose freshwater or Akoya pearls? We've compiled a comparison across seven aspects to help you select the most suitable pearls: 1. Origin and Cultivation Akoya are saltwater cultured pearls, mainly from Japan and also cultivated in Vietnam and China. Freshwater pearls are primarily from lakes in the Yangtze River basin in China. Akoya require 3-5 years of cultivation, one pearl per oyster, while freshwater pearls can grow multiple pearls simultaneously with a shorter cycle. 2. Shape and Size Akoya pearls have high roundness and standard shapes, commonly found in sizes 5-8mm. Freshwater pearls are more varied; nucleated types (like Edison) can exceed 12mm. 3. Color Akoya pearls are mainly white with subtle overtones. Freshwater pearls come in a rich variety of natural colors including pink, purple, and white. 4. Luster Akoya pearls boast a sharp, intense luster, known as "little light bulbs." Freshwater pearls have a softer, diffused luster with a silky feel. 5. Surface Imperfections Akoya pearls are relatively refined with minor surface blemishes. Freshwater pearls may show natural growth lines or indentations, though high-grade ones are very clean. 6. Nacre Thickness and Durability Freshwater pearls, being non-nucleated or having thick nacre, offer excellent durability. Akoya pearls have thinner nacre layers and require care to avoid pressure and abrasion. 7. Occasion Suitability Akoya pearls are noble and elegant, suitable for formal banquets. Freshwater pearls are versatile and adaptable, perfect for daily wear and office attire. Unsure whether to choose freshwater or AKOYA pearls? Here's a comparison: I. Origin & Cultivation (Origin & Cultivation) Akoya Pearls Akoya pearls are saltwater cultured pearls, primarily from Japan, but also cultivated in Vietnam and China. The Akoya pearl oyster is Pinctada fucata, requiring growth in marine environments with high salinity and complex currents. Typically, one oyster yields only one pearl. Akoya cultivation cycles are relatively long, about 3-5 years. Akoya's annual output is low, accounting for about 10% of the total global pearl production (total sea pearls). Akoya was the first type of saltwater cultured pearl to enter commercial production, starting in the early 1900s. Saltwater cultured pearls (including Akoya) are usually nucleated, with a spherical bead nucleus inserted into the oyster. Freshwater Pearls Freshwater pearls are cultured in freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers, mainly in the lakes and rivers of the middle and lower reaches of China's Yangtze River, such as Zhejiang, Hunan, and Jiangsu. The primary host oysters for freshwater pearls are the triangle shell mussel, with stable and controllable water quality. One mussel can yield 10-40 or 30-50 pearls. Most freshwater pearls form naturally within the mussel without a nucleus (mainly non-nucleated cultivation), which leads to more irregular shapes. Freshwater pearl cultivation cycles are relatively short, about 1-3 years. Freshwater pearls account for the vast majority of global pearl production, about 95%. Nucleated freshwater cultured pearls are also known as "Edison" pearls. Natural pearls and non-nucleated cultured pearls are almost entirely composed of nacre. II. Appearance - Shape & Size (Appearance - Shape & Size) Shape (Shape): Due to the insertion of a spherical nucleus during cultivation and a relatively thin nacre layer that helps maintain roundness, Akoya pearls typically achieve a very round shape with a high percentage of perfect roundness. Over 90% of high-quality Akoya pearls are near-perfectly round. The roundness of Akoya pearls accessible to consumers is usually good. Freshwater cultured pearls (mainly non-nucleated) are naturally formed without a nucleus, making their shapes more prone to being oval or irregular. Over 80% of freshwater pearls on the market are oval, flattened oval, or baroque shapes, with a lower proportion of perfect roundness. Due to non-nucleated cultivation, perfectly round freshwater pearls are extremely rare, with near-round being the highest roundness grade. Nucleated freshwater cultured pearls (Edison pearls) are similar in size to sea pearls but have lower roundness. Size (Size): Akoya pearls are smaller, with produced pearls generally ranging from 6-9mm. Commercial production is often in the 6-8mm or 5-8mm range. 8mm is considered a good size, with the largest Akoya pearls reaching 10-11mm. The larger the size of Akoya pearls, the more precious they are. Even a difference of 1mm, for example, between 7-8mm and 8-9mm Akoya pearls, can result in a significant price difference. The diameter range of freshwater cultured pearls is typically between 5-12mm. Nucleated freshwater pearls (Edison pearls) can reach sizes of 12-20mm. South Sea pearls are generally more common in the 10-16mm range, with those exceeding 16mm being relatively rare and precious. III. Appearance - Color (Appearance - Color) The body color of Akoya pearls is mainly white. Common overtones include pink, light blue-green, and light yellow-green, with pink being the most popular. Akoya also comes in blue tones (like True Tahitian) and yellow tones (like Aurora Queen, Aurora Gold). Sea pearls (including Akoya) do not have purple. Pearl colors originate from minerals or natural pigments secreted by the oyster. The colors of freshwater cultured pearls are mainly white, pink, and light purple. Purple is a unique color for freshwater pearls, derived from carotenoids in the triangle shell mussel. Nucleated freshwater pearls (Edison pearls) can exhibit deep purple and bronze colors. Freshwater pearls do not have pure black or deep gold colors. Some colors may be bleached or dyed. IV. Appearance - Luster (Appearance - Luster) Pearl luster is one of the key factors determining quality, even its soul. Luster is related to the thickness and quality of the nacre layer. The stronger the luster, the more precious the pearl and the higher its price. Luster is the most important value factor for pearls. Akoya pearls are known for their very high and beautiful luster, hailed as "little light bulbs of the world." Their luster is strong, capable of sharp reflections and clear imaging. In comparisons of the highest quality, Akoya's mirror-like luster can reach levels higher than South Sea pearls. High-quality specimens can reflect a human face. The luster of freshwater cultured pearls is relatively softer, primarily diffuse reflection, soft like silk. Some high-quality freshwater pearls can achieve good luster, reaching 70%-80% of sea pearls. Some high-grade freshwater pearls can achieve "very strong luster." The luster of freshwater pearls is shallower, with weaker refractive effects. GUILD classifies pearl luster into four grades: Very good, Good, Fair, and Poor. V. Appearance - Surface Quality (Appearance - Surface Quality) Naturally produced pearls usually have minor imperfections on their surface. The fewer imperfections a pearl has, the better its quality. Absolutely perfect pearls are extremely rare and expensive. Akoya pearls have higher surface smoothness, with imperfections mostly being small pinholes. The surface of freshwater pearls may show growth lines like spirals or indentations. Surface quality is divided into four grades: Very good (near flawless), Good (minor imperfections), Fair (moderate imperfections), and Poor (many imperfections). The degree of imperfection is one of the factors in judging pearl quality. VI. Physical Characteristics - Nacre Thickness & Durability (Physical Characteristics - Nacre Thickness & Durability) Nacre thickness is an important factor in judging the quality of nucleated cultured pearls. Nacre thickness affects the beauty and durability of the pearl. If the nacre layer is too thin, it affects the luster, and prolonged friction may cause it to lose luster or even peel. Akoya pearls have a relatively thin nacre layer compared to other types of saltwater cultured pearls. It typically ranges from 0.15 mm to 0.55 mm. 0.5 mm is considered a thick nacre for Akoya. According to GUILD standards, Akoya with a nacre thickness greater than 0.4 mm is of better quality. Akoya is most sensitive to nacre thickness. The thinner nacre layer of Akoya helps maintain its round shape. The nacre layer of freshwater cultured pearls (mainly non-nucleated) is typically 0.3 to 0.8 mm. The internal structure of non-nucleated freshwater pearls is almost entirely composed of nacre. Prolonged wear of freshwater pearls may cause them to gradually lose luster due to friction, resulting in a relatively shorter lifespan. Nucleated freshwater pearls (Edison) have thicker nacre layers, up to 0.8-3mm. Overall, saltwater pearls have thicker nacre layers and longer lifespans. The nacre layer of saltwater pearls (such as South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls) is typically in the range of 0.8-3mm. South Sea pearls can have a nacre layer up to 2mm, which is 60 to 100 times that of Akoya. VII. Daily Wear & Suitability (Daily Wear & Suitability) Akoya pearls, with their high luster, roundness, and classic white tones, are a very popular choice for everyday wear. They are suitable for versatile necklace styles, exuding elegance, nobility, and classic charm. They are also suitable for formal occasions, weddings, and business gifts. Freshwater cultured pearls, due to their affordable price (thanks to China's large production volume and cultivation methods) and diverse colors (especially baroque shapes), are a popular choice for daily commuting and casual wear. High-quality freshwater pearls (very strong luster, near-round, minimal imperfections) are visually indistinguishable from sea pearls to the naked eye and offer high cost-effectiveness, making them very suitable for everyday wear. They are ideal for students, young professionals, or baroque pearl enthusiasts. If you have a limited budget and primarily wear pearls daily, high-quality freshwater pearls are an excellent choice. From a purely functional perspective, there is very little difference in the wearing experience between high-quality freshwater pearls and sea pearls.