--- title: "Akoya vs South Sea Pearls: What's the Difference?" description: "Akoya and South Sea cultured pearls side by side: oyster and pearl size, nacre thickness, luster, colors, growing time, treatments and relative price." canonical_url: "https://learnaboutpearls.com/compare/akoya-vs-south-sea-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 South Sea Pearls: What's the Difference? **Short answer:** Akoya and South Sea pearls are both saltwater cultured pearls grown around a shell bead, but in very different oysters. The small Akoya oyster, farmed mostly in Japan, grows white or cream pearls typically 6 to 8 mm across, with a mirror-like shine. Pinctada maxima, the largest pearl oyster, grows white to golden South Sea pearls, typically 9 to 16 mm, with much thicker nacre. South Sea pearls cost significantly more. **Key facts:** - Akoya cultured pearls are typically 6 to 8 mm, and South Sea cultured pearls typically 9 to 16 mm. [1, 2] - An adult Akoya oyster is typically 7 to 10 cm across, and an adult Pinctada maxima 20 to 30 cm. [2] - In one X-ray image GIA published, a 6.85 mm Akoya had about 0.34 mm of nacre and an 11.15 mm South Sea pearl about 1.92 mm. [3] - Akoya oysters are typically left in the water for 10 to 14 months after the bead goes in, while Pinctada maxima generally needs at least two years. [1, 4] - GIA's journal describes South Sea pearls as much larger than Akoya, routinely over 10 mm, and significantly more costly. [5] - Enhancement is routine for Akoya, while South Sea pearls are generally only washed and polished in their countries of origin. [6] [Akoya](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#akoya) and [South Sea cultured pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#south-sea-cultured-pearl) are both saltwater [cultured pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#cultured-pearl) grown around a shell [bead](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#bead), one at a time in the oyster’s [gonad](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#gonad). [6] Almost everything else about them differs. The table compares them using the Learn About Pearls dataset. | Feature | Akoya cultured pearl | South Sea cultured pearl | | ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Mollusk | _Pinctada fucata_ (Akoya pearl oyster) [7, 8] | _Pinctada maxima_ (silver-lipped pearl oyster and gold-lipped pearl oyster) [4, 7] | | Water | saltwater [8, 9] | saltwater [9, 10] | | Main producing regions | Japan, China and Vietnam [2, 8, 11] | Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Myanmar [4, 7, 10, 11] | | Typical size | 6–8 mm [1, 2, 9, 11, 12] | 9–16 mm [2, 9, 11] | | Shapes | round, near-round, semi-baroque and baroque [1, 2] | round, oval, button, drop, circled and baroque [2, 9] | | Natural colors | white and cream [2, 8, 9, 12] | white, silver, cream, champagne and golden [2, 10, 13, 14, 15] | | Growing time | 6–36 months (typically 10 to 14 months) [1, 2, 11] | 1–3 years (two to three years in Australia and the Philippines) [2, 4] | | 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. [3, 7, 16] | Bead-cultured, with the thickest nacre of the bead-cultured types, typically 1.5–3.0 mm. [4, 17] | | Relative price | Generally more expensive than freshwater cultured pearls of similar size and quality (GIA) [8] | Not recorded | ## The key differences between Akoya and South Sea pearls Akoya and South Sea cultured pearls differ in their oyster, their size, their [nacre](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#nacre) and their look. - **Oyster.** An adult Akoya oyster, _[Pinctada fucata](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#pinctada-fucata)_, is typically 7 to 10 cm across, and an adult _[Pinctada maxima](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#pinctada-maxima)_ 20 to 30 cm, the largest of all [pearl oysters](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#pearl-oyster). [2] - **Where.** Japan grows most Akoya, with smaller amounts from China and Vietnam. [11] South Sea pearls come mainly from Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Myanmar. [7] - **Size.** Akoya are typically 6–8 mm [1], and South Sea pearls typically 9–16 mm [2]. - **Color.** Akoya are white and cream [8]. South Sea pearls are white, silver, cream, champagne and golden [2]. - **Luster.** GIA describes Akoya as famed for a mirror-like shine, [8] and South Sea pearls as often having a satiny [luster](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#luster). [18] - **Growing time.** Akoya oysters are typically left in the water for 10 to 14 months after the bead goes in, [1] while _P. maxima_ generally needs at least two years. [4] ## Why South Sea pearls are bigger and thicker The oyster sets the limit. GIA notes that the oyster that produces South Sea cultured pearls is larger than the one that produces Japanese saltwater cultured pearls, which gives it the potential for larger pearls. [18] GIA’s journal describes South Sea pearls as much larger than Akoya, routinely over 10 mm in diameter. [5] Time adds the nacre. [Nacre thickness](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#nacre-thickness) is closely related to how long a cultured pearl was grown. [7] Akoya nacre is generally thinner than South Sea or Tahitian nacre, [16] while South Sea pearls have the thickest nacre of any [bead-cultured pearl](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#beaded-cultured-pearl). [4] In one X-ray image GIA published, a 6.85 mm Akoya had about 0.34 mm of nacre and an 11.15 mm South Sea pearl about 1.92 mm. [3] ## Treatments Akoya are treated far more often. Enhancement is routine for Akoya pearls, while South Sea pearls are generally not treated in their countries of origin beyond washing and [polishing](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#polishing). [6] CIBJO notes that many Akoya are routinely treated for luster and an even color, and that [bleaching](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#bleaching) is common. [2] Golden South Sea color can be natural or produced by heat or dye. [14, 15] ## Price South Sea pearls cost more. GIA’s journal describes them as significantly more costly than Akoya. [5] CIBJO puts the retail value of the world’s Akoya production at about US$130 million a year, against about US$300 million for Australia’s South Sea pearls alone. [2] ## Choosing between Akoya and South Sea pearls Choose Akoya cultured pearls if you want the classic white strand in moderate sizes, with a sharp, mirror-like shine. [8, 10] Choose South Sea cultured pearls if you want large pearls with thick nacre and a satiny luster, in white or golden colors, and are prepared to pay more. [10, 18] ## Questions people ask ### Which are more expensive, Akoya or South Sea pearls? South Sea pearls. GIA's journal describes them as significantly more costly than Akoya, and GIA attributes their value to their size, thick nacre and the limited conditions they need to grow. [5, 10] ### Why are South Sea pearls bigger than Akoya? Because the oyster is bigger, and the pearls grow for longer. GIA notes that the oyster that produces South Sea cultured pearls is larger than the one that produces Japanese saltwater cultured pearls, which gives it the potential for larger pearls, and Pinctada maxima generally needs at least two years to grow them. [4, 18] ### Which have thicker nacre? South Sea pearls. Their nacre is the thickest of any bead-cultured pearl, typically 1.5 to 3.0 mm, while Akoya nacre is generally thinner than South Sea or Tahitian nacre. [4, 16, 17] ### Are Akoya or South Sea pearls more often treated? Akoya. Enhancement such as bleaching is routine for Akoya, while South Sea pearls are generally only washed and polished in their countries of origin, and fine-quality Australian ones need no treatment. [2, 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. Chunhui Zhou and W. Henry Towbin (2024). 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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) 6. 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) 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. 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) 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. 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) 12. 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) 13. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. South Sea Pearl Ring (NMNH G10639). [Source](https://naturalhistory.si.edu/explore/collections/geogallery/10002784) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250925205851/https://naturalhistory.si.edu/explore/collections/geogallery/10002784) 14. Shane Elen (2001). Spectral Reflectance and Fluorescence Characteristics of Natural-Color and Heat-Treated "Golden" South Sea Cultured Pearls. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2001-heat-treated-golden-south-sea-cultured-pearls-elen) · DOI [10.5741/GEMS.37.2.114](https://doi.org/10.5741/GEMS.37.2.114) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260308065638/https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2001-heat-treated-golden-south-sea-cultured-pearls-elen) 15. Chunhui Zhou, Artitaya Homkrajae, Joyce Wing Yan Ho, Akira Hyatt and Nicholas Sturman (2012). Update on the Identification of Dye Treatment in Yellow or "Golden" Cultured Pearls. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/winter-2012-cultured-pearls-zhou) · DOI [10.5741/GEMS.48.4.284](https://doi.org/10.5741/GEMS.48.4.284) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260309094817/https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/winter-2012-cultured-pearls-zhou) 16. 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) 17. Nanthaporn Nilpetploy, Kwanreun Lawanwong, Promlikit Kessrapong, Areeya Manustrong and Nicholas Sturman (2021). A study on improving the surface appearance of low-quality Pinctada maxima bead cultured pearls. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/dam/jcr:466bc3fd-eb08-4a26-b59e-aa80ad710bb9/study-improving-surface-appearance-low-quality-Pinctada-maxima-bead-cultured-pearls.pdf) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261025235956/https://www.gia.edu/dam/jcr:466bc3fd-eb08-4a26-b59e-aa80ad710bb9/study-improving-surface-appearance-low-quality-Pinctada-maxima-bead-cultured-pearls.pdf) 18. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Gem Encyclopedia. Pearl Quality Factors. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/pearl-quality-factor) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261016075647/https://www.gia.edu/pearl-quality-factor) **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 South Sea Pearls: What's the Difference?_ Learn About Pearls. https://learnaboutpearls.com/compare/akoya-vs-south-sea-pearls/ **MLA:** “Akoya vs South Sea Pearls: What's the Difference?” _Learn About Pearls_, Unique Pearl, November 4, 2026, learnaboutpearls.com/compare/akoya-vs-south-sea-pearls/. **Chicago:** Learn About Pearls editors. “Akoya vs South Sea Pearls: What's the Difference?” Learn About Pearls. Unique Pearl. Last modified November 4, 2026. https://learnaboutpearls.com/compare/akoya-vs-south-sea-pearls/. **BibTeX:** `@misc{lap-compare-akoya-vs-south-sea-pearls, title = {Akoya vs South Sea Pearls: What's the Difference?}, author = {{Learn About Pearls editors}}, year = {2026}, howpublished = {\url{https://learnaboutpearls.com/compare/akoya-vs-south-sea-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. - [South Sea pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/types/south-sea-pearls/): The largest cultured pearls, white to golden, from the Pinctada maxima oyster. - [South Sea vs Tahitian](https://learnaboutpearls.com/compare/south-sea-vs-tahitian-pearls/): How the large white and golden South Sea pearl differs from the dark Tahitian pearl.