A Guide to the Different Types of Pearls: Freshwater, Akoya, Hanadama, Aurora, and Tennyo Ranks

Introduction:

When it comes to choosing the perfect pearl, the options can be overwhelming. From freshwater pearls to the more prestigious Akoya and Hanadama varieties, each type offers unique characteristics that can add a distinct touch to any jewelry piece. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular types of pearls—Freshwater, Akoya, Hanadama, Aurora—and even dive into the elite Tennyo Ranks, helping you find the pearl that best suits your style and needs.

1. Freshwater Pearls: The Entry-Level Investment

Freshwater pearls are known for their affordability and versatility. Harvested primarily from freshwater mussels, they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Their slightly irregular shapes give them a more natural look, making them perfect for everyday wear. While they are often considered less luxurious than their saltwater counterparts, their beauty and affordability make them a popular choice for jewelry enthusiasts.

2. Akoya Pearls: The Classic Investment

Akoya pearls are the epitome of classic elegance. Grown in the saltwater oceans of Japan, Akoya pearls are renowned for their perfect round shape and high luster. Typically, they range from 2mm to 10mm in size, making them ideal for delicate necklaces and earrings. Their lustrous sheen, often referred to as “mirror-like,” makes Akoya pearls a favorite for those seeking timeless and elegant pieces.

Akoya Pearls Earrings 7.5 -8.0 mm

Their enduring appeal and exceptional quality make them a strong, long-term investment, especially when choosing pearls with superior luster and surface quality.

Rosie - Akoya Pearls Necklace 5.0 - 6.0mm

3. Hanadama Pearls: The Elite Tier

Hanadama pearls, also known as the “Flower Pearls” in Japan, are the highest grade of Akoya pearls. Certified by the Pearl Science Laboratory (PSL) of Japan to have the very highest levels of luster, orient and nacre thickness.

Hanadama pearls are considered among the finest pearls available in the world. They exhibit an unparalleled glow that reflects light beautifully, making them a prized possession for any jewelry collection. If you’re looking for pearls with a rich heritage and unmatched brilliance, Hanadama pearls are the way to go.

Hanadama Loose Pearls in Blue Rose Color with PSL Certificate

For investors, the exclusivity and beauty of Hanadama pearls offer not only a tangible asset but also an heirloom quality investment. Prices for Hanadama pearls are expected to rise steadily due to their limited availability and exceptional demand.

4. Aurora Pearls: The Rare Opportunity

Aurora pearls represent some of the highest-quality pearls in the industry. What sets them apart is their stunning color overtone—an iridescence that shimmers in a rainbow of hues, similar to the Northern Lights. These pearls are considered incredibly rare, and they undergo meticulous grading to ensure their radiance and quality, making them a particularly attractive option for serious collectors.

The Pearl Science Laboratory (PSL) in Japan defines the “Aurora Effect” as an iridescent color that may appear on a pearl’s surface. They test for this unique quality using the “Aurora Viewer,” which directs a specific light onto the pearl’s underside to determine if the Aurora is visible.

Here are images of a Madama Akoya strand displaying stunning aurora. Top-range white Hanadama pearls may also show this effect, though it’s notoriously difficult to capture in photographs.

(photo credits: Pearl Of Joy)

Owning Aurora pearls is akin to holding a piece of art that appreciates with age and rarity.

5. Tennyo Ranks: The Ultimate Pearl Investment

The term “Tennyo” refers to the highest rank of pearls, typically reserved for pearls of unmatched quality, luster, and rarity. Often used to describe the best of the best, Tennyo-ranked pearls are carefully selected by master jewelers. Only a few pearls in the world make it to this prestigious category, making them the ultimate symbol of luxury and exclusivity.

The TEN-NYO standard requires a minimum layer thickness of 0.4mm. Any pearl with a layer below 0.4mm cannot be classified as TEN-NYO.

(Photo credit: Takaramonobr.com)

Inner Inspection – Pearl layer thickness is measured using optical fiber technology, requiring a minimum thickness of 0.40mm.

TERI Value Analysis – A light interference test with a minimum score of 90%, showcasing the aurora effect, is required to qualify as TEN-NYO pearls.

Certification – Verified by the Japan Pearl Science Laboratory, renowned for its advanced technology and high standards in certifying TEN-NYO pearls.

Certificate of Pearl Identification & Grading SP type (former Type P).

This is the exclusive certificate for the Aurora TEN-NYO. A TERI Value Analysis is performed and an aurora image is attached. The Aurora TEN-NYO is the one with the highest level of TERI among the Aurora HANADAMA.

Due to their exclusivity, Tennyo pearls command prices that can far exceed other pearls, making them the equivalent of blue-chip stocks in the pearl world. These pearls are rare and coveted, with a timeless value that appeals to the most discerning investors looking for a unique and luxurious asset.

Conclusion: A Tangible Asset with Lasting Value

Whether you’re drawn to the classic appeal of Akoya pearls, the rare beauty of Aurora pearls, or the versatile and budget-friendly Freshwater pearls, there’s a pearl for every taste and occasion. The next time you’re shopping for pearls, consider the distinct qualities of each type to find the perfect match for you.

As with any investment, it’s essential to understand the market and the unique factors that influence value. While pearls may not be as mainstream as gold or real estate, they offer an alternative form of investment that combines beauty, rarity, and long-term appreciation. Whether you are starting with Freshwater pearls or seeking out the finest Tennyo-ranked gems, pearls provide a timeless, tangible asset to diversify your investment portfolio.

Keywords: types of pearls, freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls, Hanadama pearls, Aurora pearls, Tennyo pearls, pearl jewelry, high-quality pearls, luxury pearls, pearl investment guide, jewellery investment.