Akoya pearls are often associated with round shapes, bright luster, clean surfaces, and the classic white appearance traditionally used in strands and earrings. However, akoya pearls are not limited to that standard. Natural-color akoya pearls, treated-color akoya pearls, baroque akoya pearls, and akoya keshi each need to be evaluated within their own category.

The goal is not simply to decide whether an akoya pearl is “good” or “bad.” The goal is to understand how well it succeeds as the type of akoya pearl it is. A fine akoya pearl should be evaluated according to the combination of factors that create beauty, rarity, durability, and value.

In this section, we will apply GIA’s seven pearl value factors: size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and matching. These factors provide a consistent way to observe, compare, and explain akoya pearl quality.