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.
Worn by women since time immemorial, pearls have a history that goes back to 2300 BC when they were the gifts of choice to Chinese royalty. Considered a status symbol in ancient Rome, pearls were mandated by Julius Caesar only to be worn by aristocrats. In Greek mythology, they were said to be the tears of joy of Aphrodite herself.
Brought to modern fame by being worn as “ropes and ropes” around Coco Chanel’s neck and adorning women from Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana and Oprah Winfrey to Gal Gadot, Kendall Jenner and Kamala Harris, pearls truly are the “Queen of Gems.”
The Akoya pearl is probably the most sought after given its radiant shimmer, near-round shape, and incredibly high lustre. These saltwater pearls are known for their very clean and smooth complexions, making them the perfect addition to any outfit.
What makes Akoya Pearls so special? Here are five pearls of wisdom to get to know things you didn’t know about Akoya pearls.
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, Akoya pearls 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 by Bernhard H. Mayer® or the timeless Bernhard H. Mayer®️’s Diana Necklace that elevates the elegance of Akoya pearls with a row of diamonds.
They are versatile
“Pearls are always appropriate” – this stands true today as when Jackie Kennedy first said it.
Given their shimmer, size and shape, Akoya pearls complement any clothing from little black dresses to breezy skirts and even jeans worn with a bit of sophistication. With a creation like this sophisticated Bernhard H. Mayer®️ Selena Set which you can remove and reset to suit your liking, you’re pearl-ready for anything!
They will last forever
Legend says that 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 need to be handled with care. 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!
They have healing properties
When used on the heart chakra, Akoya pearls stimulate the heart and help the wearer remain calm. They promote sound sleep, immunity and fertility and are known for their power to regenerate skin, making it supple and healthy.
One of the three birthstones for June-borns, these miraculous gems are much more than they appear. So, the more you wear them, the more you shine, inside and out.
To add the healing power of a pearl to your wrist, check out the beautiful two-rowed Greta Bracelet from Bernhard H. Mayer®.
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