Once known as the "Japanese Akoya cultured pearls" on their place of origin of famous Akoya pearl is now grown in many countries, including China, South Korea, Vietnam and Australia. Akoya pearls are saltwater pearls from the Akoya oyster, which is typically cultured. These gems are usually roundish variety of colors from pale pink to white, and the size of 3mm - 9mm. This can be found in Akoya pearl measuring 10mm but it is extremely rare.

Today, more Akoya brand name associated with Japanese pearls, but due to heavy harvesting in China and other countries, Japan, South sea is no longer the monopoly of the market. Japan dominated the industry in the 20th century, when the production process was developed and commercially applied. In the meantime, while China began to quickly harvest huge amounts of smooth, round white stones cheaper price and today it is very rare to find a full line purely Japanese pearls.

Akoya oyster is the smallest pearl producing oyster used in pear culture today. Due to the small size of the precious oysters tend to be small, as well as the size of 2-11 mm. These pearls are known to be the most consistently round stones on the market, which makes it easier to reconcile these pearls necklaces and earrings.

Japan had a dominant market share akoya to 1960, when China began to harvest their Akoya pearls. China's pearl quality was poor at first, compared with Japan's pearl, but the 1980's, China Akoya pearls, quality was beginning to rival their Japanese counterparts.

As China has become more adept at harvesting pearls of high quality Japanese processors turned their attention to growing more precious as anything approaching 8mm size is almost unheard of in China. It is now estimated that 80% of pearls measuring 7mm and smaller, are from China, but more likely for something from Japan.

Which color of pink roses and white and cream Akoya pearls were first cultured pearls to be mass produced and available to middle class. When the assets and goodwill have become a symbol of pearls available during the 20th century and now a pearl necklace, bracelet, earrings and other fine jewelry can be found at discount prices online and select jewelry stores.

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