Japanese Akoya pearls, chosen by hand in Tokyo.

Japanese Akoya pearls are saltwater cultured pearls grown in Pinctada fucata oysters along the coasts of Japan. They are considered the finest pearls in the world for their mirror-like luster, near-perfect round shape, and delicate rose or silver overtones. Akoya pearls typically range from 3mm to 9.5mm, with 7mm to 8mm the most popular size for necklaces and earrings. Japan produces the vast majority of the world’s Akoya pearls and remains the center of Akoya cultivation.

Akoya pearls are Japanese saltwater pearls known for their brilliant luster and classic white or cream color with rose overtones, typically 3mm to 9.5mm. Tahitian pearls are grown in French Polynesia and are naturally dark, from black and grey to deep green and peacock, typically 8mm to 16mm. South Sea pearls are the largest of the three, grown in Australia and Southeast Asia in sizes from 9mm to 20mm, in white, silver, and golden tones. Pearls.jp specializes in saltwater pearls and offers all three types directly from Tokyo, sourced from trusted producers worldwide.

Pearls.jp runs a pearl showroom in Roppongi, Tokyo. It is on the 5th floor of the ISO Building, 4-9-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, a short walk from Roppongi Station (Exit 6), Roppongi Hills, and Tokyo Midtown. Walk-ins are welcome, and our staff give every visitor a personal introduction to wholesale-quality Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearl jewelry. Pearls.jp has served clients in Tokyo since 1969, across two generations of pearl expertise.

Yes. Japan is one of the best places in the world to buy Akoya pearls, and Tahitian and South Sea pearls too. Japan is the primary source of Akoya cultivation and a world center of pearl expertise: Tahitian and South Sea pearls are imported into Japan to be sorted and matched before they are exported around the world. Buying directly in Tokyo, especially from a wholesaler like Pearls.jp (Amit Trading), removes many of the markups added by international distributors and retail chains. International visitors can also shop tax-free, which lowers prices further. Pearls.jp offers wholesale expertise and pricing to both private clients and trade buyers.

The price of a Japanese Akoya pearl necklace depends on size, luster, surface quality, and nacre thickness. Buying direct in Tokyo, a good-quality 6 to 6.5mm strand starts around $300 to $600, a fine 7 to 7.5mm strand runs about $600 to $1,500, and high-grade 8 to 8.5mm strands sit between $2,000 and $4,000. Hanadama-certified strands, graded by the Pearl Science Laboratory in Tokyo, sit at the top of the range and can pass $10,000 at 9mm and above. Pearls.jp sells across this whole range, from everyday pearl jewelry to collector pieces. The full table is in our Akoya pricing guide.

Yes. Pearls.jp ships pearl jewelry worldwide from Tokyo, Japan. Shipping is complimentary and fully insured, and every order is packed to protect the jewelry in transit. Pearls.jp also offers a 30-day return policy for peace of mind. For wholesale or trade inquiries, international buyers can contact the team directly at [email protected] or by phone at +81-3-3404-3853.

Genuine high-quality pearls have a deep, mirror-like luster: a glow that seems to come from inside the pearl rather than from its surface. Other quality indicators include a smooth surface with minimal blemishes, a consistent round shape, and good nacre thickness. Pearls.jp is a member of the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association (JPEA) and has been a trusted source of certified Japanese pearls since 1969. All pearls are graded and verified before sale, ensuring authenticity and consistent quality.