Timeless elegance from the heart of Japan. Hand-picked from Japan's pearl farms for their mirror-like luster and perfection.
テリ (Teri)
The Japanese term for the unique, deep luster found in high-quality Akoya pearls.
Known for their perfect roundness and mirror-like luster (Teri), Akoya pearls are the definitive classic. Sourced from Japan's coastal waters, they are the ideal choice for timeless elegance.
We hand-select our pearls directly from partner farms, crafting each piece in our Tokyo showroom to bridge traditional technique with contemporary design.
Sharp, bright reflection unlike any other pearl.
We select only the highest-quality pearls directly from trusted farms.
Light refracts through thousands of nacre layers to create the luster and overtones that define a fine Akoya pearl.
Luster is the depth and intensity of light reflected from a pearl's surface — the quality that makes a fine pearl appear to glow from within. In Akoya pearls, this begins with nacre: thousands of microscopic layers of crystallized calcium carbonate, secreted by the oyster over months of cultivation.
Light entering the pearl undergoes three simultaneous optical effects. It reflects off the outermost surface, creating the initial shine. It refracts as it passes through translucent nacre layers, adding depth. And it diffracts as overlapping crystals scatter it into the soft rainbow overtones — rose, silver, cream — that define a truly fine pearl.
Japan's coastal bays — particularly in Ehime, Mie, and Nagasaki prefectures — provide the exact conditions Akoya oysters require: cold, clean waters with stable salinity. The cooler temperatures slow nacre deposition, producing denser, more tightly arranged crystal layers. This is what gives Japanese Akoya pearls their signature mirror-like reflectivity, known in the trade as Teri.
Akoya pearls are the benchmark for luster. South Sea pearls are larger with a satiny warmth. Tahitian pearls offer exotic dark tones. Freshwater pearls provide accessible beauty at a lower price point. But for sharp, intense surface reflection and a classic round shape, Akoya remains the standard against which all other pearls are measured.
Pearls.jp is a family-owned business based in Tokyo, with a legacy that began in 1969. For over five decades, we've been sourcing, crafting, and sharing Japan's finest pearls.
All our Akoya pearl jewelry is handcrafted in Tokyo using pearls sourced directly from Japan's top farms.
As a renowned pearl exporter and wholesaler, we offer the same pearl quality found in luxury brands and boutiques without the markup.
Choose from timeless designs or create a piece that's uniquely yours. Every item is hand-strung, set, and finished in our showroom.
Our team speaks English, Japanese and Chinese. Whether you visit us in Roppongi or shop online, we're here to help you find your perfect pearl.
Visiting from abroad? Enjoy tax-free shopping with your passport.
When ordering online you receive FREE shipping, and a 30-day return policy.
A visible comparison of Akoya pearl grades. Higher grades show sharper luster, rounder shape, and cleaner surfaces.
Akoya pearls are evaluated on five factors. Grades range from A (good commercial quality) through AA to AAA — the finest available. These mirror the internationally recognized GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors (size, shape, color, luster, surface, nacre, and matching). Beyond AAA, exceptional pearls may receive certifications such as Hanadama from the Pearl Science Laboratory.
Luster — the depth and intensity of light reflected from the pearl's surface
Measured in millimeters — Akoya range from 3mm to 10mm, with 7–8mm most popular
Perfectly round pearls are rarest and most valued — Akoya are known for superior roundness
Cleaner surfaces with fewer blemishes indicate higher quality and more careful cultivation
Overtone colors — rose, silver, and cream — that appear beneath the pearl's surface reflection
Major luxury brands often price Akoya pearl strands three to five times higher than equivalent non-branded pieces. The premium covers retail overhead, prime real estate, and brand equity — not superior pearl quality. The pearls themselves are sourced from the same Japanese farms and the same Akoya oysters.
Japan's strict quality standards and independent certification bodies protect buyers regardless of the name on the box. At Pearls.jp, we source directly from the farms we've worked with since 1969, offering the same top-tier quality without the retail markup.
Seek out pearl specialists rather than general jewelers — look for staff who can explain nacre quality, overtone differences, and grading nuances. Always request a certificate of authenticity documenting the pearl's origin, type, and grade. And take note: some retailers label freshwater pearls simply as "pearls" without distinguishing them from saltwater Akoya. Knowing the difference ensures you receive genuine Japanese quality.
"If I could give 10 stars, I would! I've purchased Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls... The quality is consistently excellent, and the service is just as attentive remotely as it is in person."
"Came to Japan from Singapore looking for a special pearl set... The quality was excellent, and the service truly personal. Highly recommended for anyone buying pearls in Tokyo."
"An amazing experience. Michelle and Dori were incredibly helpful... I got to choose my own pearls and clasp, and they hand-tied my custom necklace on the spot — in just 30 minutes."
A simple wipe with a soft cloth after each wear keeps your Akoya pearls lustrous for decades.
Unlike most gemstones, pearls benefit from being worn. Wear them maintain their luster and prevent nacre from dehydrating. A necklace worn regularly retains its glow for decades.
Wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing. Store in a breathable fabric pouch — never airtight. Keep away from perfume, hairspray, and chemicals. Put pearls on last, take them off first.
Have necklaces restrung every one to two years. Silk thread stretches with time, and individual knotting between each pearl prevents scattering and improves drape.
Akoya pearls are more than jewelry — they are stories passed from one generation to the next.
Pearls have been passed between generations for millennia. During the Roman Empire, Julius Caesar restricted pearl-wearing to the ruling class. Queen Elizabeth I embroidered thousands onto her gowns as symbols of sovereign power. King George VI gifted strands to his daughter — the future Queen Elizabeth II — pieces believed to have belonged to earlier monarchs.
In the twentieth century, Coco Chanel layered Akoya strands to redefine modern elegance, and Audrey Hepburn immortalized the pearl necklace in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Today, Akoya pearls remain what they have always been: a connection between the person who gives them and the person who wears them.
Many families begin with a single pair of studs — given at a first birthday, an ear piercing, or a graduation. Over the years, additional pearls mark new milestones: a sixteenth birthday, a wedding, a first child. Before long, the collection tells a story. We've seen customers build complete strands one pearl at a time, each bead representing a chapter in a life.
Whether you begin with earrings or a full necklace, your Akoya pearls will grow more meaningful with every year they are worn — and every generation they are passed to.
Each item in our Akoya collection is handcrafted in Tokyo using pearls sourced directly from Japan's most reputable farms, since 1969. Japanese Akoya pearls are known for their timeless beauty and elegance.
The pearls are hand-picked directly from the source. Whether you're searching for a timeless strand, a modern pendant, or elegant earrings, we invite you to discover Japanese quality.
Akoya pearls are cultured saltwater pearls grown in Japan's coastal bays. Known for their high luster, round shape, and soft overtones, they are the world's most popular saltwater pearls.
Pearls.jp (Amit Trading) is a trusted pearl company with a showroom in Roppongi, offering handcrafted Akoya jewelry directly from Japanese pearl farms. We serve both locals and international visitors.
Akoya pearls are cultured in the cold coastal waters of Japan. They are distinct for their perfect roundness and intense, mirror-like luster (Teri). Unlike Freshwater pearls, which are softer in shine, or South Sea pearls, which are larger and satiny, Akoya are the classic standard for elegance.
Yes. We offer tax-free shopping for eligible international visitors at our Roppongi showroom. Please present your passport upon arrival.
Yes. Every piece is handmade in our Tokyo showroom, and we're happy to help you create something personal — from strand length to clasp style.
We operate primarily as a wholesaler and exporter. By offering you direct access to our inventory, we bypass traditional luxury retail markups, providing investment-grade quality at a fair price.
Yes. Our staff is fluent in English, Japanese, and Chinese. We are experienced in guiding international clients through the nuances of pearl grading and selection.
Akoya pearls are graded from A to AAA based on five factors: luster (shine), size, shape, surface quality, and overtone color. AAA represents the finest quality. Exceptional pearls may also receive Hanadama certification from Japanese grading laboratories.
Wear your pearls often — the natural oils from your skin help maintain their luster. After wearing, wipe them with a soft cloth. Store in a breathable fabric pouch (not airtight), away from perfume and chemicals. Have them restrung every one to two years if worn frequently.
Japan's cold coastal waters slow nacre growth, producing denser and more tightly arranged crystal layers. This creates the sharp, mirror-like surface reflection — known as Teri — that distinguishes Akoya pearls from the softer luster of freshwater or the satiny glow of South Sea pearls.
High-quality Akoya pearls are durable, timeless, and have been treasured as family heirlooms for generations. With proper care, they retain their beauty indefinitely. While pearls are not a financial investment like stocks, a fine Akoya strand holds its value and gains sentimental worth with each generation it is passed to.
Experience the luster in person. Our private showroom in Roppongi offers a calm, welcoming space where you can explore our full collection with personal guidance.
