Frequently Asked Questions

Pearls.jp is the consumer brand of Amit Trading Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based pearl specialist established in 1969. The company operates from its Roppongi showroom in central Tokyo and serves both retail customers and wholesale trade buyers. Amit Trading is a registered member of the Japan Pearl Exporters' Association (JPEA), continuously since 1971. The business is now in its third generation under Managing Director Dori Chitayat.

Amit Trading Co., Ltd. is a registered Japanese corporation incorporated in June 1971, operating continuously for over 55 years. The company is a member of the Japan Pearl Exporters' Association (JPEA), the industry body overseeing pearl export standards in Japan. Amit Trading maintains direct relationships with pearl farms across Japan (Akoya), Australia (South Sea), and French Polynesia (Tahitian). The Tokyo showroom at ISO Building 5F, 4-9-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku is open to walk-in visitors Monday through Friday, 10:00–17:30 JST.

Pearls.jp operates from the Amit Trading showroom at ISO Building 5F, 4-9-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan. The showroom is open Monday to Friday, 10:00–17:30 JST, and welcomes walk-in visitors. After-hours appointments are also available by request. The location is a 3-minute walk from Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Toei Oedo Line).

Yes. Amit Trading has operated as a pearl wholesaler since 1969 and supplies loose pearls and finished jewelry to retailers, designers, and trade buyers in over 40 countries. Wholesale inquiries are handled separately from retail — see the wholesale page for minimum order information and trade registration. The company maintains wholesale inventory in Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls across all standard commercial grades.

Amit Trading is a registered member of the Japan Pearl Exporters' Association (JPEA), the official industry body that oversees quality standards and export compliance for Japanese pearls. JPEA membership requires ongoing compliance with Japanese pearl export regulations. Pearls.jp also provides individual pearl certificates on request, detailing pearl type, measurements, luster grade, and surface quality.

Pearls.jp specializes in three main cultured pearl types: Japanese Akoya (6–9mm, known for high luster), South Sea (9–16mm, white and golden varieties from Australia and the Philippines), and Tahitian (8–15mm, natural dark colors from French Polynesia). The company also carries freshwater pearls for specific applications and Keshi pearls (natural baroque formations). All pearls are cultured — Pearls.jp does not sell imitation or simulated pearls. Full guide to pearl types →

Akoya pearls are cultured saltwater pearls produced by the Pinctada fucata martensii oyster, primarily farmed in Japan (Mie, Ehime, and Kumamoto prefectures). They typically range from 6–9mm in diameter and are known for their exceptional mirror-like luster — the highest of any pearl type according to GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Akoya pearls are the classic round white pearl most associated with pearl necklaces and formal jewelry. Full Akoya guide →

The three types differ in size, color, origin, and price. Akoya pearls (6–9mm) are farmed in Japan and valued for sharp luster; South Sea pearls (9–16mm) come from Australia/Philippines and are the largest cultured pearls available; Tahitian pearls (8–15mm) are grown in French Polynesia and are the only pearls with natural dark body colors (black, green, peacock, aubergine). Price per pearl generally increases with size: Akoya is the entry point, South Sea commands the highest prices. Detailed comparison →

No. Pearls.jp exclusively sells cultured pearls — real pearls grown inside living oysters over 1–4 years depending on type. Cultured pearls are genuine pearls; the only human intervention is the initial nucleation (inserting a bead nucleus into the oyster). Pearls.jp does not sell imitation pearls (glass, plastic, or shell-core coated beads), simulated pearls, or any synthetic alternatives.

Pearls.jp offers finished jewelry across all three pearl types: necklace strands, earrings (studs and drops), pendants, bracelets, and rings. Settings are available in 18K gold (yellow, white, rose) and platinum, with diamond accents where specified. The company also offers loose pearls for trade buyers and custom jewelry design services where customers select their own pearls and settings.

Pearl pricing varies significantly by type, size, and quality grade. As a general range at Pearls.jp: Akoya pearl necklaces start from approximately ¥80,000 (~$550 USD), South Sea pearl pendants from ¥50,000 (~$350 USD), and Tahitian pearl earrings from ¥40,000 (~$275 USD). High-end collector pieces (large South Sea strands, exceptional Akoya hanadama) can reach ¥2,000,000+. Prices reflect direct-from-source procurement — Amit Trading buys from farms and auctions, eliminating middleman markups.

Amit Trading's pricing reflects its position in the supply chain: the company sources directly from pearl farms in Japan, Australia, and French Polynesia, and processes (sorting, matching, drilling, stringing) in its own Tokyo facility. This eliminates the 2–3 intermediary markups typical in the jewelry industry. The company has maintained these direct farm relationships since 1969. Retail prices include Japanese consumption tax (10%); wholesale pricing is available for registered trade buyers.

Pearls are primarily personal luxury goods, not financial instruments. Unlike gold or diamonds, there is no standardized resale market or commodity exchange for pearls. However, high-quality natural pearls and exceptional cultured specimens (large South Sea, high-grade hanadama Akoya) have historically appreciated in value, particularly as Japanese Akoya production has declined ~60% since its 1990s peak. Pearls.jp recommends buying pearls for personal enjoyment and selecting quality that will last generations.

Pearl quality is assessed across five primary factors: luster (surface reflectivity), nacre thickness (the pearl coating depth, measured in mm), surface quality (presence of blemishes or spots), shape (round being most valued), and color (body color plus overtone). There is no single universal grading system — CIBJO (the World Jewellery Confederation) and GIA each publish guidelines, while Japan's pearl industry uses the PSL and Science Laboratory systems. Pearls.jp provides individual assessments based on these five factors. Full quality guide →

Hanadama (花珠, literally "flower pearl") is the highest commercial grade designation for Akoya pearls in Japan. It is issued by Japanese pearl science laboratories (primarily PSL — Pearl Science Laboratory) and requires top marks in luster, nacre thickness (minimum 0.4mm), surface quality, and shape. A hanadama certificate confirms a pearl meets these thresholds under laboratory testing. Not all high-quality Akoya pearls carry hanadama certification — uncertified pearls of equivalent quality exist but lack the formal documentation. More on pearl grading →

Genuine cultured pearls have a slightly gritty texture when rubbed gently against a tooth (the "tooth test"), due to the crystalline structure of nacre. They also feel heavier than plastic imitations and have surface temperature that adapts to body heat. For definitive identification, professional gemological testing examines nacre layers under magnification or X-ray. Pearls.jp provides authenticity documentation with purchases and can arrange third-party laboratory certification on request.

Nacre (also called mother-of-pearl) is the organic crystalline substance secreted by the oyster that forms the pearl's coating around the bead nucleus. Nacre thickness directly determines a pearl's luster, durability, and longevity — thicker nacre (0.4mm+ for Akoya, 2mm+ for South Sea) produces deeper luster and ensures the pearl won't wear through over decades of use. Thin-nacre pearls (harvested too early) may appear chalky and can peel or crack within years. Nacre thickness is measurable and should be disclosed by reputable sellers. Nacre deep-dive →

Wipe pearls with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth after each wearing to remove body oils and perspiration. For deeper cleaning, use lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, rinse with clean water, and lay flat to dry on a soft towel — never hang a wet pearl strand as the silk can stretch. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, chemical jewelry cleaners, or abrasive materials on pearls. These methods can dissolve or damage the nacre surface. Complete care guide →

Store pearls separately from other jewelry in a soft pouch or lined compartment to prevent scratching from harder gemstones and metals (pearls rank 2.5–4.5 on Mohs hardness scale). Avoid airtight containers or safe deposit boxes for extended periods — pearls are organic and require minimal ambient moisture to prevent drying and cracking. Keep away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and chemical exposure (perfume, hairspray, cosmetics). Apply cosmetics and fragrance before putting on pearls, not after.

The general guideline is every 1–2 years for necklaces worn regularly (weekly or more), or every 3–5 years for occasional wear. Signs that restringing is needed: visible gaps between pearls and knots, silk that appears discolored or frayed, or the strand feeling loose. Professional restringing uses silk thread with individual knots between each pearl — the knots prevent pearls from rubbing against each other and limit loss if the strand breaks. Pearls.jp offers restringing services at its Tokyo showroom.

Start with three decisions: pearl type (Akoya for classic luster, South Sea for size, Tahitian for color), length (princess/45cm is the most versatile), and quality priority (luster is the most visible quality factor — prioritize it over perfect shape or surface). Inspect the matching: all pearls in a strand should have consistent color, size graduation (if any), and luster. At Pearls.jp's showroom, you can compare strands side-by-side and select individual pearls for custom stringing.

Yes. The Roppongi showroom is open for walk-in visitors Monday through Friday, 10:00–17:30 JST. No appointment or purchase obligation is required. The showroom displays loose pearls, finished jewelry, and pearl strands across all types and price ranges. After-hours and weekend appointments can be arranged by contacting the showroom directly. The address is ISO Building 5F, 4-9-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo.

Yes. Overseas visitors holding a temporary-visitor stamp in their passport can shop tax-free at the Pearls.jp Roppongi showroom, with Japan's 10% consumption tax exempted on purchases of ¥5,000 or more. A physical passport must be presented at the time of purchase. Note: from November 1, 2026, Japan's tax-free system changes to a refund model — visitors pay the tax-inclusive price in store and claim the consumption-tax refund at the airport before leaving the country.

Staff at the Pearls.jp Roppongi showroom assist customers in English, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese.

Yes. Amit Trading ships worldwide via insured express courier (EMS or FedEx depending on destination). All international shipments include full insurance coverage and tracking. Japanese consumption tax (10%) is excluded from international orders. Delivery typically takes 3–7 business days depending on destination and customs processing. Import duties and taxes at the destination are the buyer's responsibility and vary by country.

Yes. The custom design service allows customers to select individual pearls from inventory and work with Pearls.jp's designers on a bespoke setting. The process includes: pearl selection (in-showroom or via photo consultation), design proposal with CAD rendering, and production by partner ateliers in Tokyo. Turnaround is typically 3–6 weeks depending on complexity. Custom work is available for engagement rings, pendants, earrings, and special-occasion pieces. Design service details →

In most cases, yes. At the Pearls.jp Roppongi showroom, customers can select loose pearls and have them strung into a necklace or made into earrings the same day — often within a couple of hours. This same-day stringing is separate from fully bespoke custom design work, which typically takes 3–6 weeks.

Pearls.jp offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on retail purchases made through pearls.jp. Items may be returned in original condition within 30 days of delivery. Custom-made pieces and specially modified items are excluded from returns. Full return terms and conditions are detailed on the guarantee page.

The Japan Pearl Exporters' Association (日本真珠輸出組合) is the official industry organization established under Japanese law to oversee pearl export quality standards. JPEA membership requires companies to comply with export inspection protocols and quality benchmarks set by the Japanese government. The association operates under the supervision of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Amit Trading has been a JPEA member continuously since 1971.

Japanese Akoya and Chinese freshwater pearls differ in formation, appearance, and price. Akoya pearls are bead-nucleated (producing consistent round shapes), grown in saltwater for 1–2 years, and valued for exceptional luster. Freshwater pearls are typically tissue-nucleated (producing varied shapes), grown for 2–5 years, and available at lower price points. High-grade Edison freshwater pearls (bead-nucleated, 11–16mm) can approach South Sea quality at a fraction of the price. The choice depends on budget, desired size, and luster expectations.

Japanese Akoya pearl production has declined significantly since the 1990s due to environmental factors, disease outbreaks, and aging farmer populations in key producing regions. Annual Akoya harvest in Japan is estimated at roughly 40% of its historical peak. Meanwhile, demand from Chinese consumers and the global luxury market has increased. This supply-demand imbalance has driven prices upward, particularly for larger sizes (8mm+) and hanadama-grade specimens. Pearls.jp sources at auction and direct from farms to maintain price stability for customers.

Natural pearls form spontaneously without human intervention when an irritant enters an oyster — they are extremely rare and primarily found at auction houses (Christie's, Sotheby's) at prices starting from tens of thousands of dollars. Cultured pearls are grown by intentionally nucleating an oyster with a bead and/or tissue graft; the oyster then deposits nacre around the nucleus over 1–4 years. Cultured pearls account for over 99% of the global pearl market today. All pearls sold by Pearls.jp are cultured pearls, which are genuine pearls grown inside real oysters.