In fine jewellery, few gems can rival the allure of Akoya Pearls, such as those featured in the Bernhard H. Mayer Pearl Icons Collection. These exquisite pearls have not only weathered time’s passage but have evolved into coveted collectable items with a distinct charm that’s hard to resist. Their current prominence in the market and high price tags have only reinforced their status as remarkable treasures worth adding to your collection.

What Makes the Pearl, the Queen of Gems, So Enchanting?

Pearls have a storied history, dating back to 2300 BC, when they graced the necks of Chinese royalty. In ancient Rome, Julius Caesar reserved them exclusively for aristocrats. According to Greek mythology, pearls were the tears of joy shed by Aphrodite. Over time, pearls have maintained their timeless appeal and gained modern fame, adorning influential women like Coco Chanel, Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Oprah Winfrey, and others, rightfully earning the title of the ‘Queen of Gems.’

Among this treasure trove of pearls, the Akoya pearl stands out with its brilliant luminosity, near-perfect roundness, and unparalleled lustre. These saltwater pearls are renowned for their flawless, smooth complexions, making them the quintessential addition to any ensemble, embodying the enduring beauty and charm that pearls represent.

What are Akoya Pearls?

Akoya pearls are fondly known as the sweetheart of the jewellery world, so knowing the unique traits that make them stand above the rest is helpful when you’re picking your next set. They are not just pearls; they are exceptional collectables worth every investment. The journey of owning these exquisite gems is a captivating one, and their enduring beauty ensures they will remain coveted for generations to come.

Collecting Akoya Pearls: A Prized Investment

Akoya Pearls are renowned for their timeless elegance and distinct characteristics that set them apart in the world of pearls. Here’s what makes them so special:

They have beautiful overtones 

Most Akoya pearls are white with three overtones – the secondary colour that glistens and shimmers over the primary colour of the pearl.

While rose overtones are the most traditional and pair well with fair complexions, silver is the most popular, given its brighter and, therefore, larger appearance. Pearls with ivory overtones are preferred by those with pinkish complexions, red hair or even silver hair, as it doesn’t clash with skin and hair colour. 

They are ideal for jewellery 

Akoya pearls are the smallest pearls and have nearly perfect round shapes (since no pearl is exactly round, given their natural birthing process).

Given their unique size and shape, they are ideal in necklaces, earrings and bracelets. They are small yet sophisticated, which adds simplistic elegance and graceful perfection, like the classy string of Akoya pearls that is the Luna Necklace.

They are versatile

“Pearls are always appropriate” – this stands true today as when Jackie Kennedy first said it.

Akoya Pearls are renowned for their understated elegance. They effortlessly complement any outfit and occasion, making them versatile additions to any jewellery collection. Given their shimmer, size and shape, they complement any clothing, from little black dresses to breezy skirts and even jeans worn with a bit of sophistication.

With a creation like the timeless Diana Necklace that elevates the elegance of Akoya pearls with a row of diamonds and furnishes it with a modern angular chain design, or the sophisticated Selena Set, which you can remove and reset to suit your liking, you’re pearl-ready for anything!

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They will last forever 

Akoya Pearls never go out of style. Their classic appearance and inherent sophistication remain an eternal symbol of refined taste. Legend even says Cleopatra once crushed a pearl into a glass of wine to prove to Marc Antony that she could give the most expensive dinner. While they can be crushed (if needed), pearls can last for hundreds of years – a fragment of pearl from a sarcophagus of a Persian princess, dating back to 420 BC, still remains at the Louvre.

However, given their natural form, pearls must be handled carefully. Adopt a ‘last on, first off’ mantra when wearing pearls, as perfumes and makeup can impact their colour. Wipe them with a soft cloth after every wear and wear them often!

Rarity, Exclusivity, and a Rich History

Akoya Pearls are now rarer and more exclusive than ever before. The limited supply and growing demand have contributed to their value as collectables. Each one comes with a unique tale of natural formation and human craftsmanship, making them not just beautiful jewellery but cherished artefacts with historical significance.

To tell a unique story with pearls on your wrist, try on the beautiful two-rowed Greta Bracelet.

Embracing the Akoya Pearl Craze

The recent surge in Akoya Pearl prices is a testament to their enduring appeal and the discerning tastes of collectors worldwide. Despite the higher costs, enthusiasts are embracing the Akoya Pearl craze with enthusiasm.

Akoya Pearls are more than just jewellery; they are expressions of artistry, nature’s marvel, and timeless beauty. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, they represent a rare opportunity to own a piece of this enduring legacy. As the world of fashion and media continues to shine the spotlight on pearls, their allure remains as powerful as ever.

This enduring legacy is beautifully captured in the Bernhard H. Mayer Pearl Icons Collection, where each piece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, showcasing the timeless beauty and elegance of Akoya Pearls. It’s a testament to the exquisite allure of these pearls, providing collectors with the opportunity to own a piece of this enduring legacy in the world of fine jewellery.

This article was originally published in October 2021.