The Pearl Journal

The Pearls.jp Blog

Insights on pearls — from Tokyo's family‑run ateliers to your jewelry box.

How to Buy Pearl Jewelry: A First-Timer's Guide to Quality, Prices & Mistakes to Avoid
Pearl Guide

How to Buy Pearl Jewelry: A First-Timer's Guide to Quality, Prices & Mistakes to Avoid

Introduction Pearl jewelry has been a popular accessory for centuries, and for good reason. Pearls are timeless, elegant, and versatile. They can be worn with a casual outfit or a formal attire. They add a touch of sophistication to any look. But before you start shopping for pearl jewelry, it's important to understand what you're […]

How to Care for Your Akoya Pearls
Pearl Care

How to Care for Your Akoya Pearls

Introduction As a woman, you know the value of investing in timeless, elegant pieces that can be worn and enjoyed for years to come. Akoya pearls are a classic choice for jewelry, known for their delicate size, radiant luster, and versatility in both casual and formal attire. However, to maintain the quality and appearance of […]

Japanese Pearls: A Tokyo Expert's Complete Guide to Akoya
Pearl Guide

Japanese Pearls: A Tokyo Expert's Complete Guide to Akoya

A Japanese pearl is an Akoya pearl: the species Pinctada fucata martensii, cultured in Japanese saltwater since 1893. Quality is judged on five factors. We call them the 5 S's: Shine (luster), Surface, Shape, Shade (overtones), and Size. Each is evaluated separately. Akoya pearls farmed in Japan today come from three prefectures only: Mie, Ehime, […]

Top 6 Things to Do in Roppongi: From Sights to Food and Pearls!
Tokyo Life

Top 6 Things to Do in Roppongi: From Sights to Food and Pearls!

Roppongi has been known as the capital of Japanese nightlife. But, there’s more to this Tokyo neighborhood than meets the eye. Roppongi is a melting pot of cultures. It has always been popular among international business executives and other expats. Today, it’s packed with not only high-end restaurants and nightclubs but also museums, art galleries, […]

Pearls: The Perfect Gift for your Daughter
Gifting

Pearls: The Perfect Gift for your Daughter

Introduction For many of us, the thought of pearls conjures up images of elegant women at high society balls. But today, the pearl are much more than just a status symbol—They are timeless and carry sentimental value that can be passed on for generations. From our experience, pearls are the perfect gift for your daughter […]

Pearl Prices 2026: Freshwater, Akoya & South Sea
Pearl Guide

Pearl Prices 2026: Freshwater, Akoya & South Sea

Introduction If you're looking to purchase pearls, it's important to understand their pricing and how it relates to their quality as well as the current market situation. In this blog post we will go over some basic points that will help you understand how pearls are priced. Saltwater pearls vs Freshwater Pearl Prices There are […]

Experts explain: Why pearl prices are on the rise
Pearl Guide

Experts explain: Why pearl prices are on the rise

Introduction In the past few years, there has been a steady rise in pearl prices, and it looks like this trend will continue in full force. As we've explained before, supply is tightly tied to the health of the farming industry as well as global economic factors. Specifically global warming, the effects of the Covid-19 […]

5 reasons you should wear pearls
Pearl Guide

5 reasons you should wear pearls

Introduction Pearls are one of the most luxurious and elegant accessories you can wear, but they’re also surprisingly versatile. If you’re looking for a new way to add some classiness to your wardrobe, here are five reasons why pearls should be at the top of your list: They last forever. Unlike other gemstones, pearls are […]

Understanding Pearls Part 2
Pearl Guide

Understanding Pearls Part 2

Pearls.jp | Tokyo, Japan. “There are two things which couldn't be made in my laboratory - diamonds and pearls.” Thomas Edison Introduction: In this blog, we will be going through the four types of commercially available pearls with some extra content for the benefit of the curious reader. If you missed the first chapter, here’s […]