GIA’s Summer 2024 issue covers the record-size akoya strands shown at our booth. Eric Yen explains why pearls this large take more than one harvest to grow.
At the 2024 AGTA GemFair in Tucson, GIA examined two akoya strands at our booth that rival South Sea pearls in size: one measuring 11.0–11.6 mm and the other 11.0–12.2 mm. Most akoya pearls are 6 to 8 mm, so anything over 10 mm is rare.
Eric Yen explained that these are the largest Japanese akoya bead cultured pearls available, and that matching a full strand at this size took pearls from more than one harvest. GIA notes why they are so scarce: growing an akoya this large takes a big bead nucleus and years in the water, and many oysters don't survive. The strands showed round shapes, clean surfaces, high luster and a rosé overtone.
Summary by Yen’s Jewelry. The full article is published by GIA Gems & Gemology.
More from the press
Tucson 2026: Pearl Market Report
GIA’s Spring 2026 report from the Tucson shows opens with our multicolor Edison strand, 10–13 mm in every color on the market, as large freshwater pearls led the year’s pearl trade.
What to Expect at JCK Las Vegas & Luxury
Our show preview for Rapaport: younger buyers want smaller, high-quality pearls, plus ombré South Sea strands and freshwater in strong natural colors.
Four Gem-Market Trends You Need to Know About
Eric Yen on pearl prices, Chinese influencers buying in bulk and why intense purple freshwater pearls are getting hard to find.