--- title: "Akoya vs Freshwater Pearls: What's the Difference?" description: "Akoya and freshwater cultured pearls side by side: the mollusks and water they grow in, their sizes, colors, nacre and price, and how labs tell them apart." canonical_url: "https://learnaboutpearls.com/compare/akoya-vs-freshwater-pearls/" last_updated: "2026-11-04" last_reviewed: "2026-10-26" reviewed_by: "Simon" publisher: "Unique Pearl" publisher_disclosure: "Learn About Pearls is published by Unique Pearl, a pearl jeweler." --- # Akoya vs Freshwater Pearls: What's the Difference? **Short answer:** Akoya pearls are saltwater cultured pearls from the Akoya pearl oyster, grown one at a time around a shell bead, mostly in Japan. Freshwater pearls are cultured in mussels, mainly in China, usually from mantle tissue alone and many to a mussel. Akoya are typically round and white, with a mirror-like shine. Freshwater pearls come in more shapes, sizes and colors and cost less, though bead-cultured freshwater pearls can look very similar. **Key facts:** - Akoya cultured pearls are typically 6 to 8 mm. Freshwater cultured pearls are typically 3 to 15 mm, with extremes from 3 to 25 mm. [1, 2] - An Akoya oyster grows one pearl at a time, while a freshwater mussel usually produces 30 to 40 pearls at once. [2, 3] - Akoya are typically harvested after 10 to 14 months in the water. Freshwater culture usually takes 1 to 5 years. [1, 3] - Japan's pearl farms, mostly Akoya, have produced about 12 tonnes a year since 2021. CIBJO estimates China's freshwater output at 1,000 to 1,500 tonnes a year. [2, 4] - Freshwater pearls contain more manganese and barium and less strontium than saltwater pearls, a difference labs use to tell them apart. [5] - GIA says Akoya cultured pearls generally cost more than freshwater cultured pearls of similar size and quality, in part because they are rarer and cost more to culture. [6] [Akoya](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#akoya) and [freshwater pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#freshwater-cultured-pearl) are both [cultured pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#cultured-pearl), but they grow in different animals, in different water and in different ways. The table compares them using the Learn About Pearls dataset. | Feature | Akoya cultured pearl | Freshwater cultured pearl | | ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Mollusk | _Pinctada fucata_ (Akoya pearl oyster) [6, 7] | _Hyriopsis cumingii_ (triangle shell mussel) [2, 6, 7, 8] | | Water | saltwater [6, 9] | freshwater [7, 10] | | Main producing regions | Japan, China and Vietnam [2, 4, 6] | China [2, 4, 10] | | Typical size | 6–8 mm [1, 2, 4, 9, 11] | 3–15 mm [2, 9] | | Shapes | round, near-round, semi-baroque and baroque [1, 2] | round, near-round, oval, coin and baroque [2, 9, 12] | | Natural colors | white and cream [2, 6, 9, 11] | white, cream, pink, peach, orange, lavender and purple [2, 6, 7] | | Growing time | 6–36 months (typically 10 to 14 months) [1, 2, 4] | 1–5 years (depending on the culture method and mussel) [3, 8, 12] | | Nacre | Bead-cultured, so the nacre covers a shell bead. Akoya nacre is generally thinner than that of South Sea and Tahitian cultured pearls, because the growing period is shorter and the water cooler. [7, 13, 14] | Most are grown from mantle tissue alone, with no bead. Bead-cultured freshwater pearls, such as Edison pearls, have a shell bead at the center. [4, 9, 15] | | Relative price | Generally more expensive than freshwater cultured pearls of similar size and quality (GIA) [6] | The most affordable pearl type (GIA) [6] | ## The key differences between Akoya and freshwater pearls Akoya and freshwater cultured pearls differ in where and how they grow, and in what they look like and cost. - **[Mollusk](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#mollusk) and water.** Akoya cultured pearls grow in a saltwater oyster, _[Pinctada fucata](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#pinctada-fucata)_. The freshwater pearls that resemble them mostly grow in the mussel _[Hyriopsis cumingii](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#hyriopsis-cumingii)_ and its hybrids, in lakes and ponds. [6] - **How they’re grown.** Each Akoya grows around a shell [bead](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#bead), one pearl per oyster at a time. [3] Most freshwater pearls grow from [mantle](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#mantle) tissue alone, with no bead, [4] and a mussel usually produces 30 to 40 at a time. [2] - **Shape.** Akoya are typically round. [1] Freshwater pearls grown from tissue alone often have irregular shapes, while bead-cultured ones are often near-round to round. [6] - **Color.** Akoya are white and cream [6]. Freshwater pearls come in white, cream, pink, peach, orange, lavender and purple [2]. - **Size.** Akoya are typically 6–8 mm [1], and freshwater pearls typically 3–15 mm [2], with a wider range overall. - **Price.** Akoya generally cost more at the same size and quality. [6] ## Why some freshwater pearls look like Akoya Bead-cultured freshwater pearls look like Akoya because they are grown the same way. Traditional freshwater pearls are grown from tissue, which often gives irregular shapes. Newer Chinese freshwater pearls are grown with a round shell bead and a piece of mantle tissue, the technique used for Akoya, and they are often near-round to round, bright white and very lustrous. [6] The overlap is not new. By the mid-1990s, Chinese freshwater cultured pearls, once mostly small and irregular, were being produced as semi-rounds in sizes similar to those of medium Akoya. [16] ## How to tell Akoya and freshwater pearls apart Akoya and bead-cultured freshwater pearls can be hard to tell apart by eye. Freshwater pearls often show a very slight flat side, but GIA says looking alone is often not enough. [6] Labs can tell them apart. Freshwater pearls contain more manganese and barium and less strontium than [saltwater pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#saltwater-pearl). [5] A GIA report states whether pearls grew in freshwater or saltwater, and which mollusk produced them when that can be determined. [6] Names matter too. Pearls sold as “freshwater Akoya”, “Chinese Akoya” or “baby Akoya” are freshwater pearls, and GIA calls those names misleading. [6] CIBJO requires the full term “freshwater cultured pearl” for any pearl cultured in freshwater. [7] ## Choosing between Akoya and freshwater pearls Choose Akoya cultured pearls if you want the classic round, white strand with a sharp, mirror-like shine, and it matters to you that the pearls grew in saltwater. [6] Choose freshwater cultured pearls if you want more colors, shapes or sizes, or a lower price. [6] If a seller calls freshwater pearls Akoya, ask for a [lab report](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#laboratory-report) that states the environment. ## Questions people ask ### Which is more expensive, Akoya or freshwater pearls? Akoya, at the same size and quality. GIA says saltwater Akoya cultured pearls generally cost more than freshwater cultured pearls of similar size and quality, in part because they are rarer and cost more to culture, and it calls freshwater pearls the most affordable pearl types. [6] ### Can you tell Akoya and freshwater pearls apart by eye? Not reliably. Bead-cultured freshwater pearls can look very much like Akoya, though they often show a very slight flat side. GIA says looking alone is often not enough, and a lab report can state whether pearls grew in freshwater or saltwater. [6] ### Are freshwater pearls real pearls? Freshwater pearls are cultured pearls, grown by living mussels. Under US rules and CIBJO standards they must be called cultured, and CIBJO requires the full name "freshwater cultured pearl". [7, 17] ### Which comes in more colors, Akoya or freshwater pearls? Freshwater pearls. Akoya are white to cream, while freshwater pearls come in a wide palette, including white, pink, peach and lavender. [6] ## References 1. Areeya Manustrong (2018). Very Small Akoya Cultured Pearls. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/spring-2018-gemnews-very-small-akoya-cultured-pearls) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260508145843/https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/spring-2018-gemnews-very-small-akoya-cultured-pearls) 2. CIBJO Pearl Commission (2025). CIBJO Guides Describing and Classifying Natural and Cultured Pearls, the Producing Molluscs & Responsible Pearling. [Source](https://cibjo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Final-Guide-October-2025-v2-COMPRESSED.pdf) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260212155210/https://cibjo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Final-Guide-October-2025-v2-COMPRESSED.pdf) 3. Changbo Zhu, Paul C. Southgate and Ting Li (2019). Production of Pearls. [Source](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-96776-9_5) · DOI [10.1007/978-3-319-96776-9_5](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96776-9_5) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20240129152149/https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-96776-9_5) 4. Fisheries Agency of Japan (水産庁) (2026). 真珠養殖をめぐる情勢について (On the situation of pearl culture). [Source](https://www.jfa.maff.go.jp/j/saibai/attach/pdf/shinju-60.pdf) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261026000052/https://www.jfa.maff.go.jp/j/saibai/attach/pdf/shinju-60.pdf) 5. Stefanos Karampelas and others (2019). Chemical Characteristics of Freshwater and Saltwater Natural and Cultured Pearls from Different Bivalves. [Source](https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/9/6/357) · DOI [10.3390/min9060357](https://doi.org/10.3390/min9060357) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261012102331/https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/9/6/357) 6. Phoebe Shang (2026). Freshwater Akoyas – A Trending Misnomer for Certain Freshwater Pearls. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/freshwater-akoyas-a-trending-misnomer-for-certain-pearls) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260617073835/https://www.gia.edu/freshwater-akoyas-a-trending-misnomer-for-certain-pearls) 7. CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation, Pearl Commission (2026). The CIBJO Pearl Book (Pearl Blue Book) 2026. [Source](https://cibjo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Pearl-Blue-Book-2026-.pdf) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261025235254/https://cibjo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Pearl-Blue-Book-2026-.pdf) 8. Doug Fiske and Jeremy Shepherd (2007). Continuity and Change in Chinese Freshwater Pearl Culture. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/dam/migrated-assets/docs/doc1/Continuity-and-Change-in-Chinese-Freshwater-Pearl-Culture.pdf) · DOI [10.5741/GEMS.43.2.138](https://doi.org/10.5741/GEMS.43.2.138) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261025235652/https://www.gia.edu/dam/migrated-assets/docs/doc1/Continuity-and-Change-in-Chinese-Freshwater-Pearl-Culture.pdf) 9. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), FAQ. What are the main types of cultured pearls and what are their distinctive characteristics?. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/FAQ/gia-faq-about-gemstones-cultured-pearl-types-characteristics) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260510233833/https://www.gia.edu/FAQ/gia-faq-about-gemstones-cultured-pearl-types-characteristics) 10. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Gem Encyclopedia. Pearl Description. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/pearl-description) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261017085317/https://www.gia.edu/pearl-description) 11. Artitaya Homkrajae (2024). Remarkably Large Akoya Bead Cultured Pearls. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2024-gemnews-large-akoya-bead-cultured-pearls) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261025235607/https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2024-gemnews-large-akoya-bead-cultured-pearls) 12. Shigeru Akamatsu, Li Tajima Zansheng, Thomas M. Moses and Kenneth Scarratt (2001). The Current Status of Chinese Freshwater Cultured Pearls. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2001-chinese-freshwater-cultured-pearls-akmatsu) · DOI [10.5741/GEMS.37.2.96](https://doi.org/10.5741/GEMS.37.2.96) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260814013828/https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2001-chinese-freshwater-cultured-pearls-akmatsu) 13. Kwanreun Lawanwong, Ravenya Atchalak and Emiko Yazawa (2025). Exceptional Nacre Thickness of Hybrid Akoya Bead Cultured Pearls. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2025-gemnews-nacre-thickness-hybrid-akoya-bead-cultured-pearls) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261026001208/https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2025-gemnews-nacre-thickness-hybrid-akoya-bead-cultured-pearls) 14. Chunhui Zhou and W. Henry Towbin (2024). Applications of X-Ray Radiography and X-Ray Computed Microtomography in Gemology. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/winter-2024-x-ray-imaging) · DOI [10.5741/GEMS.60.4.582](https://doi.org/10.5741/GEMS.60.4.582) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260313113455/https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/winter-2024-x-ray-imaging) 15. Chunhui Zhou and others (2021). Detection of Color Treatment and Optical Brightening in Chinese Freshwater "Edison" Pearls. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2021-detection-of-color-treatment-and-optical-brightening-in-chinese-freshwater-edison-pearls) · DOI [10.5741/GEMS.57.2.124](https://doi.org/10.5741/GEMS.57.2.124) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260413154357/https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2021-detection-of-color-treatment-and-optical-brightening-in-chinese-freshwater-edison-pearls) 16. Russell Shor (2007). From Single Source to Global Free Market: The Transformation of the Cultured Pearl Industry. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/doc/Fall-2007-Gems-Gemology-Cultured-Pearl-Industry.pdf) · DOI [10.5741/GEMS.43.3.200](https://doi.org/10.5741/GEMS.43.3.200) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261025235723/https://www.gia.edu/doc/Fall-2007-Gems-Gemology-Cultured-Pearl-Industry.pdf) 17. U.S. Federal Trade Commission (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations). 16 CFR Part 23, Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries. [Source](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-23) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260907072405/https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-23) **Written by:** Learn About Pearls editors **Fact-checked:** Learn About Pearls editors, October 26, 2026 **Reviewed by:** Simon, October 26, 2026 **First published:** November 4, 2026 **Publisher:** [Unique Pearl](https://learnaboutpearls.com/about/), a pearl jeweler **Revision history** 1. November 4, 2026: First published. First published **How to cite this page** **APA:** Learn About Pearls editors. (2026). _Akoya vs Freshwater Pearls: What's the Difference?_ Learn About Pearls. https://learnaboutpearls.com/compare/akoya-vs-freshwater-pearls/ **MLA:** “Akoya vs Freshwater Pearls: What's the Difference?” _Learn About Pearls_, Unique Pearl, November 4, 2026, learnaboutpearls.com/compare/akoya-vs-freshwater-pearls/. **Chicago:** Learn About Pearls editors. “Akoya vs Freshwater Pearls: What's the Difference?” Learn About Pearls. Unique Pearl. Last modified November 4, 2026. https://learnaboutpearls.com/compare/akoya-vs-freshwater-pearls/. **BibTeX:** `@misc{lap-compare-akoya-vs-freshwater-pearls, title = {Akoya vs Freshwater Pearls: What's the Difference?}, author = {{Learn About Pearls editors}}, year = {2026}, howpublished = {\url{https://learnaboutpearls.com/compare/akoya-vs-freshwater-pearls/}}, note = {Learn About Pearls, published by Unique Pearl}}` Quoting with attribution and a link is welcome. See [how to cite and reuse](https://learnaboutpearls.com/cite/). **Suggest a correction** ## Related pages - [Akoya pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/types/akoya-pearls/): The classic round, white saltwater cultured pearl, grown mostly in Japan. - [Freshwater pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/types/freshwater-pearls/): Cultured pearls from freshwater mussels, mostly grown in China, in a wide range of shapes and colors. - [Saltwater vs freshwater](https://learnaboutpearls.com/compare/saltwater-vs-freshwater-pearls/): How pearls from saltwater oysters differ from pearls grown in freshwater mussels. - [How pearls form](https://learnaboutpearls.com/basics/how-pearls-form/): How natural and cultured pearls grow inside a mollusk, layer by layer.