75 Duchess Classic Natural Diamond Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace & Stud Earrings 8-9mm 18K Yellow Gold

This is a set designed with royal elegance, inspired by the pearl earrings and necklace of Princess Diana. Selected for their round and symmetrical Chinese freshwater cultured pearls, measuring 8.5-9mm, complemented by meticulously inlaid brilliant-cut main stones. This combination creates a look that is both classic and modern, with a soft glow that highlights the clarity of the diamonds, perfectly embodying feminine grace and strength. Both the necklace and earrings feature 18K gold settings, ensuring they are hypoallergenic, secure, and comfortable. They feel light to wear yet possess a distinct presence. This set is particularly suitable for weddings, evening events, and minimalist professional attire, representing a timeless collection piece that will never go out of style. [As our factory is self-sufficient in pearl production and manufacturing, all pearl sizes are limited editions. Because pearls require time for harvesting, and if sales deplete stock or if harvesting conditions are affected by weather, leading to shortages in certain sizes, some styles may temporarily be out of stock. Please inquire about availability before placing an order.] Our pearls, depending on the variety, are sourced from two major regions: Japan and China. All are processed and crafted in our professional jewelry workshops in China, ensuring stable quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and the perfect presentation of the pearls' natural luster and charm. 🔹 Japanese Origin | Akoya (Akoya) Saltwater Pearls, Matama Pearls Akoya pearls are the most representative type of saltwater cultured pearls, known as "Akoya" in Chinese. They are primarily cultivated in regions of Japan such as Mie, Kumamoto, and Ehime, with the Seto Inland Sea coast being particularly renowned. Akoya pearls are nurtured by the **Pinctada fucata** oyster. As the oyster is relatively small, each shell can only produce one pearl, and it requires approximately 3 years of careful cultivation, making the yield relatively scarce and contributing to their high quality and price. Akoya pearls are nucleated cultured pearls, known for their exceptionally high roundness and a cool, brilliant luster, earning them the nickname "little light bulbs" in the pearl world. They are highly favored in the high-end jewelry sector. Their surface often exhibits a natural "orange peel" texture. If a special grade is selected (e.g., with a Japanese certificate), they can be nearly flawless with an even more translucent luster. Colors include cherry blossom pink, snow white, blue-pink, cool blue, aurora gold, and queen color. There are also rare Matama shades, a variation with a natural purplish-pink overtone, 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 mussels like the triangle shell mussel, where a single mussel can yield dozens of pearls simultaneously, resulting in a much higher yield than saltwater pearls. In the past decade, with significant advancements in cultivation techniques and selection standards, high-quality freshwater pearls have achieved roundness, nacre density, and luster comparable to Akoya pearls. Although typically non-nucleated, top-grade freshwater pearls can be nearly perfectly round, possess a warm, translucent luster, and exhibit strong orient. They are also more affordably priced, making them an excellent value choice for everyday wear and designer jewelry. Regardless of whether you choose Akoya saltwater pearls or Chinese freshwater pearls, all items are crafted in our Chinese processing workshops, ensuring that every piece, from raw material to craftsmanship details, meets jewelry-grade standards, 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 Explanation: Our AKOYA pearls are of medium-strong luster (you can clearly see the reflection of light fixtures and lens shapes) https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54612499788_2b9fe5fd2c_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54612491829_772f02995e_b.jpg Flaw Explanation: (In the pearl grading guide: the circled areas can be used as a reference standard for the pearls in our store) https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54586035868_cf01f90df0_b.jpg Our AKOYA pearls (including Matama) are not at the certificate (flawless) grade. The flaw level ranges from minor to moderate. The flaws are located near the drill hole (close to the earlobe) and will not be visible when worn. Flaw Example: Growth lines (small indentations) https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54612591065_01f92023b5_b.jpg AKOYA colors can lean towards pink or white (as shown): https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54612499748_f6924ee554_b.jpg 💡 Wearing and Care Recommendations ・Avoid contact with perfumes, alcohol, and acidic or alkaline liquids. ・When not wearing, gently wipe with a dry cloth and store in a jewelry pouch. ・Store separately to prevent hard metal objects from scratching the surface. 📦 Process Description: After placing an order, it is custom-made by the overseas factory. Production and delivery take approximately 7 days. 💖 Follow us for the latest gemstone jewelry information. 📌 Latest arrivals on our pinkoi store. 💌 If you like a specific color or type of gemstone, feel free to message us for custom order discussions. Unsure whether to purchase 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 cultivated 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 oyster yields only one pearl. Akoya cultivation cycles are relatively long, approximately 3-5 years. Akoya's annual production volume is lower, accounting for about 10% of the global total pearl production (saltwater pearls combined). Akoya was the world's first commercially produced saltwater cultured pearl, beginning in the early 1900s. Saltwater cultured pearls (including Akoya) are usually nucleated, where a spherical bead nucleus is placed inside the oyster. Freshwater Pearls Freshwater pearls are cultured in freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers. The main production areas are in the lakes and rivers of China's Yangtze River basin, such as Zhejiang, Hunan, and Jiangsu. The primary host oysters for freshwater pearls are the triangle shell mussel, and the stable water quality of the growth environment is controllable. One mussel can yield 10-40 or 30-50 pearls. Freshwater pearls are mostly formed naturally within the mussel, without a bead nucleus (primarily non-nucleated cultivation), which leads to less regular shapes. Freshwater pearl cultivation cycles are relatively shorter, 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 Shape: Due to the insertion of a round bead nucleus during cultivation and a relatively thin nacre layer that helps maintain roundness, Akoya pearls typically achieve a very round shape with a high roundness rate. Over 90% of high-quality Akoya pearls are nearly perfectly round. Consumers generally encounter Akoya pearls with good roundness. Freshwater cultured pearls (primarily non-nucleated) are naturally formed without a bead nucleus, making their shapes more prone to being oval or irregular. Over 80% of freshwater pearls on the market are oval, flattened, or baroque shapes, with a lower proportion of perfectly round ones. As they are non-nucleated, perfectly round freshwater pearls are extremely rare; near-round is considered the highest roundness grade. Nucleated freshwater cultured pearls (Edison pearls) are similar in size to saltwater pearls but have lower roundness. Size: Akoya pearls are generally smaller, with pearls typically 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 an Akoya pearl, the more valuable it is. Even a difference of 1mm, such as 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 12-20mm. South Sea pearls are commonly found in the 10-16mm range, with those exceeding 16mm being relatively rare and valuable. 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 also comes in blue tones (like Matama) and yellow tones (like Aurora Queen, Aurora Gold). Saltwater pearls (including Akoya) do not have purple hues. Pearl colors originate from minerals or natural pigments secreted by the oyster. The main colors of freshwater cultured pearls are white, pink, and light purple. Purple is a unique color for freshwater pearls, derived from carotenoids in the triangle shell mussel. Nucleated freshwater cultured pearls (Edison pearls) can exhibit deep purple and 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 one of the key factors determining quality, even considered its soul. Luster is related to the thickness and quality of the nacre. The stronger the luster, the more valuable the pearl and the higher its price. Luster is the most significant value factor for pearls. Akoya pearls are renowned for their very high and beautiful luster, often called "little light bulbs of the world." Their luster is strong, capable of 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. The luster of freshwater cultured pearls is relatively softer, primarily diffuse reflection, resembling silk. Some high-quality freshwater pearls can achieve good luster, reaching 70%-80% of saltwater pearls. Certain higher-grade freshwater pearls can achieve "extra-strong luster." Freshwater pearls have a shallower luster and weaker refractive effect. GUILD classifies pearl luster into four grades: Very good, Good, Fair, and Poor. V. Appearance - Surface Quality Naturally produced pearls typically have minor surface blemishes. The fewer blemishes a pearl has, the higher its quality. Absolutely flawless pearls are extremely rare and expensive. Akoya pearls generally have a high degree of surface smoothness, with blemishes often being small pinpricks. Freshwater pearls may exhibit growth lines, indentations, and other surface irregularities. Surface quality is divided into four grades: Very good (near flawless), Good (minor flaws), Fair (moderate flaws), and Poor (many flaws). The degree of flaw is one factor in determining 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 pearl's beauty and durability. If the nacre is too thin, it can impact luster, and wear may cause it to lose its shine or even develop "peeling." Akoya pearls have relatively thin nacre compared to other types of saltwater cultured pearls, typically ranging from 0.15mm to 0.55mm. 0.5mm is considered thick nacre for Akoya. According to GUILD standards, Akoya pearls with nacre thickness greater than 0.4mm are of better quality. Akoya is most sensitive to nacre thickness. The thinner nacre of Akoya contributes to its rounder shape. Freshwater cultured pearls (primarily non-nucleated) typically have nacre thickness ranging from 0.3 to 0.8mm. 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 cultured pearls (Edison) have thicker nacre, ranging from 0.8-3mm. Overall, saltwater pearls have thicker nacre and a longer lifespan. Saltwater pearls (such as South Sea and Tahitian pearls) typically have nacre ranging from 0.8-3mm. South Sea pearls can have nacre 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 hues, are a very popular choice for everyday wear. They are suitable for versatile necklace designs that exude elegance, sophistication, and classic charm. They are also appropriate for formal occasions, weddings, and as business gifts. Freshwater cultured pearls, due to their affordability (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 extra-strong 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 baroque pearl enthusiasts. If you have a limited budget and primarily wear pearls 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.