These earrings feature perfectly round Akoya natural saltwater pearls, ranging in size from baby 3-4mm to 5.5mm-9mm.
The pearl surface is clean, the luster is brilliant, with minimal imperfections, representing a premium grade we've specially selected.
They create a visually dimensional effect when worn, conforming naturally to the earlobe, exuding an effortless sense of luxury.
✨ Design Highlights
・18K gold ear studs, stable, hypoallergenic, and resistant to deformation.
・Classic round pearl stud design, simple yet with a distinct presence.
👉 Sufficiently dimensional to flatter the face shape without being overly ostentatious.
・Each size is a favorite among celebrities for private wear and public appearances.
✨ Why We Recommend These Earrings
Because they are a foolproof choice for any occasion, from work, casual dining, dates, to formal events.
Minimalism represents a defined style.
Pearls symbolize inner radiance.
When you wear these earrings, you exude an aura without needing words.
📸 Many celebrities favor this size,
Pairing them with a white shirt creates an intellectual beauty, while with an evening gown, they lend a sophisticated and grand air.
Perfect for collecting or as a gift to convey blessings.
[As our factory produces pearls and manufactures jewelry in-house, all pearl sizes are limited.
Because pearls require time to harvest, and factors such as sales or cultivation conditions affect pearl yields, certain sizes may become scarce.
Consequently, some styles may be temporarily out of stock.
Please inquire about availability before placing an order.]
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Freshwater pearls in multiple sizes are also available
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Our pearls, depending on the variety, originate from two major production areas, Japan and China. They are all processed in professional Chinese jewelry workshops to ensure stable quality and exquisite craftsmanship, perfectly showcasing the pearls' natural luster and charm.
🔹 Japanese Origin | Akoya Saltwater Pearls, Tamadama Pearls
Akoya pearls are the most representative type of saltwater cultured pearls, known in Chinese as "Agoya." They are primarily cultured in regions of Japan such as Mie, Kumamoto, and Ehime, with the Seto Inland Sea coast being particularly renowned. Akoya pearls are produced by the **Pinctada fucata** oyster. Due to the small size of the oyster, each shell can only yield one pearl, and it requires approximately 3 years of meticulous cultivation. Consequently, production is relatively scarce, and the quality and price are high.
Akoya pearls are nucleated pearls, known for their exceptional roundness and a cool, brilliant luster, earning them the nickname "little light bulbs" in the pearl world, highly favored by the fine jewelry industry. Their surface often exhibits a natural "orange peel" texture. If a specially selected grade (e.g., with a Japanese certificate) is chosen, they are nearly flawless with a more translucent luster. Colors include cherry blossom pink, snow white, blue-pink, cool blue, aurora gold, and queenly hues. There is also the rare Tamadama series, an Akoya variant with a natural pinkish-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 mainly cultured in large mussels like the triangle sail mussel. A single mussel can yield dozens of pearls, far exceeding the production of saltwater pearls. In the past decade, with significant advancements in cultivation techniques and grading standards, high-quality freshwater pearls have achieved levels comparable to Akoya pearls in roundness, surface tightness, and luster.
Although nucleated, top-grade freshwater pearls can achieve near-perfect roundness, a warm and translucent luster, and strong surface glow, 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 saltwater pearls or Chinese freshwater pearls, all products are crafted in our Chinese processing workshop, ensuring that every piece, from raw material to craftsmanship, meets jewelry-grade standards, adding an elegant touch to your daily life.
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Luster Description:
Our AKOYA pearls are of a medium-strong luster grade (you can clearly see the reflected shape of the light fixture and lens).
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Description of Imperfections:
(In the pearl grading guide: the circled areas can serve as a reference standard for the pearls in our store)
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Our AKOYA pearls (including Tamadama) are not certificate (flawless) grade. The imperfections range from minor to moderate. They are located near the drill hole (close to the earlobe) and will not be visible when worn.
Example of Imperfection: Growth lines (small indentations)
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AKOYA colors can lean towards pink or white (as shown in the image):
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Each pair of earrings is meticulously matched by hand by our artisans to ensure symmetry, consistent color tone, and luster.
The 8.5–9mm size is particularly challenging to cultivate and is especially suitable for clients seeking a balance of refinement and presence.
💡 Wearing and Care Recommendations
・It is recommended to put them on last, avoiding direct contact with cosmetics and perfumes on the pearl surface.
・After each wear, gently wipe with a soft cloth and store individually in a jewelry box.
・Avoid placing them with hard objects to maintain the pearl's surface luster.
・Please avoid wearing them simultaneously with 18K gold gemstone jewelry or jade bangles (on the same wrist) to prevent scratching the pearls.
Unsure whether to choose freshwater or Akoya pearls? Here's a comparison:
**I. Origin & Cultivation**
**Akoya Pearls**
Akoya pearls are saltwater cultured pearls. They are primarily produced in Japan, but also cultured in Vietnam and China. The Akoya pearl's host oyster is the Pinctada fucata, which requires growth in marine environments with high salinity and complex currents. Typically, one host oyster yields only one pearl.
Akoya cultivation cycles are relatively long, approximately 3-5 years. Akoya's annual production volume is low, accounting for about 10% of global pearl production (total saltwater pearls). Akoya was the world's first commercially produced saltwater cultured pearl, beginning in the early 1900s. Saltwater cultured pearls (including Akoya) are usually nucleated, meaning a spherical bead core is placed inside the host oyster.
**Freshwater Pearls**
Freshwater pearls are cultured in freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers. Major production areas are in the lakes and rivers of China's Yangtze River basin, including Zhejiang, Hunan, and Jiangsu. The primary host oysters for freshwater pearls are the triangle sail mussel, and the growth environment has stable water quality. One mussel can yield 10-40 or 30-50 pearls. Most freshwater pearls form naturally within the mussel without a bead core (primarily nucleated), which leads to their less regular shapes.
Freshwater pearl cultivation cycles are relatively short, about 1-3 years. Freshwater pearls account for the vast majority of global pearl production, approximately 95%. Nucleated freshwater pearls are also known as "Edison" pearls. Natural pearls and nucleated cultured pearls are almost entirely composed of nacre.
**II. Appearance - Shape & Size**
**Shape:**
Due to the insertion of a round bead core during cultivation and a relatively thin nacre layer that helps maintain roundness, Akoya pearls typically achieve a very round shape with a high rate of perfect roundness.
Over 90% of high-quality Akoya pearls are nearly perfectly round. The roundness of Akoya pearls accessible to consumers is usually good. Freshwater cultured pearls (mainly nucleated) are naturally formed without a bead core, making their shapes more prone to being oval or irregular. Over 80% of freshwater pearls on the market are oval, flattened oval, or baroque shaped, with a lower proportion of perfectly round ones.
Due to nucleated cultivation, perfectly round freshwater pearls are extremely rare; near-round is considered the highest roundness grade. Nucleated freshwater pearls (Edison pearls) are similar in size to saltwater pearls but have lower roundness.
**Size:**
Akoya pearls are smaller, with pearls typically ranging from 6-9mm. Commercial production often falls within 6-8mm or 5-8mm. 8mm is considered a good size, with the largest Akoya pearls reaching 10-11mm.
The larger the size of an Akoya pearl, the more precious it is. Even a difference of 1mm, such as between 7-8mm and 8-9mm Akoya pearls, can result in a significant price difference. Freshwater cultured pearls typically range from 5-12mm in diameter. Nucleated freshwater pearls (Edison pearls) can reach sizes of 12-20mm.
South Sea pearls are commonly found between 10-16mm, with those exceeding 16mm being relatively rare and precious.
**III. Appearance - Color**
Akoya pearls are primarily white in body color. Common overtones include pink, light blue-green, and light yellow-green, with pink being the most popular. Akoya pearls also come in blue tones (like Tamadama) and yellow tones (like Aurora Queen, Aurora Gold).
Saltwater pearls (including Akoya) do not have purple. Pearl colors originate from minerals or natural pigments secreted by the host oyster. Freshwater cultured pearls mainly come in white, pink, and light purple. Purple is a unique color to freshwater pearls, derived from carotenoids in the triangle sail mussel. Nucleated freshwater pearls (Edison pearls) can exhibit deep purple or bronze colors. Freshwater pearls do not come in pure black or deep gold. Some colors may be treated through bleaching or dyeing.
**IV. Appearance - Luster**
Pearl luster is a crucial factor in determining quality, even considered its soul. Luster is related to the thickness and quality of the nacre layers. The stronger the luster, the more precious the pearl, and the higher its price. Luster is the most significant value factor for pearls.
Akoya pearls are renowned for their exceptionally high and beautiful luster, often called "little light bulbs of the human world." Their luster is strong, producing sharp reflections and clear imaging. In top-quality comparisons, Akoya's mirror-like luster can surpass that of South Sea pearls. High-quality specimens can reflect a human face. Freshwater cultured pearls have a relatively softer luster, primarily diffuse reflection, appearing silky smooth. Some high-quality freshwater pearls can achieve good luster, reaching 70%-80% of saltwater pearls. Certain high-grade freshwater pearls can achieve "extreme luster." Freshwater pearls have a shallower luster and weaker refractive effect.
**V. Appearance - Surface Quality**
Naturally occurring 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 a high degree of surface smoothness, with imperfections mostly consisting of tiny pinpricks. Freshwater pearls may show growth lines like concentric rings or indentations on their surface. Surface quality is divided into four grades: Very good (near flawless), Good (minor flaws), Fair (moderate flaws), and Poor (many flaws). The degree of imperfection is one of the factors in assessing pearl quality.
**VI. Physical Characteristics - Nacre Thickness & Durability**
Nacre thickness is an important factor in assessing the quality of nucleated cultured pearls.
Nacre thickness affects the beauty and durability of the pearl. If the nacre layer is too thin, it can impact luster, and prolonged friction may cause it to lose its luster or even result in "skin peeling." Akoya pearl nacre layers are relatively thin compared to other types of saltwater cultured pearls, typically ranging from 0.15mm to 0.55mm. 0.5mm is considered a thick nacre layer for Akoya.
Akoya pearls with nacre thickness greater than 0.4mm are considered high quality. Akoya is most sensitive to nacre thickness. Akoya's thinner nacre layer contributes to its rounder shape. Freshwater cultured pearls (mainly nucleated) typically have nacre layers ranging from 0.3 to 0.8mm. The internal structure of 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, ranging from 0.8-3mm.
Overall, saltwater pearls have thicker nacre layers and longer lifespans. Saltwater pearls (like South Sea and Tahitian pearls) typically have nacre layers ranging from 0.8-3mm. South Sea pearls can have nacre layers up to 2mm, which is 60 to 100 times thicker than Akoya.
**VII. 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 that exude elegance, sophistication, and timeless charm. They are also appropriate 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 commutes and casual wear. High-quality freshwater pearls (with extreme luster, near-round shape, and very minor flaws) are visually indistinguishable from saltwater pearls to the naked eye and offer excellent value, making them ideal for everyday wear. They are suitable for students, new professionals, or lovers of baroque pearls. If you have a limited budget and primarily wear them daily, high-quality freshwater pearls are an excellent option. From a purely functional perspective, there is very little difference in the user experience between high-quality freshwater pearls and saltwater pearls.
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- Maison_de_Lumin | Minimalist Light Realm Akoya Saltwater Pearl Earrings 5–9mm / 18K Gold Ear Studs Carefully selected Akoya natural pearls, perfectly round with a brilliant luster, offering a dimensional and commanding presence when worn. Paired with 18K gold ear studs for skin-friendly durability. If in stock, ships within 7 days; if not in stock, ships within 15 days.
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