Definition and History of Hanadama Pearls
Hanadama Pearls, Truly a Japanese Thing
The term “Hanadama” is a quality designation that is bestowed upon some cultured Akoya saltwater pearls
that are usually of Japanese origin. Hanadama is the Japanese word translating to spherical flower and was coined by Kokichi Mikimoto to
describe the highest quality percentage of production in the Akoya pearl industry. Factors that determine pearl quality for all pearls
include roundness, nacre thickness, color, overtones, luster, and only miniscule surface imperfections. While these gradation categories
apply irrespective of size, the size of a pearl is a major factor in the rarity, and therefore, value of any pearl. Hanadama pearls are
generally regarded as close to perfect in each of these attributes as any cultured Akoya pearl can get. Only approximately 2% of the annual
pearl harvest qualifies for the Hanadama Grade. The Hanadama grade is still used to designate the absolute finest of each pearl harvest by
the world's renowned pearl companies.
Hanadama Pearls, Tightly Controlled to Keep Prices High
By mutual agreement among the premiere pearl companies, all Hanadama pearls are evaluated and certified by the Pearl Science Laboratory
in Tokyo and will be accompanied with an identifying certificate. Hanadama strands of pearls come in limited supplies, not only because the
pearls themselves are so rare, but also because in order to create a strand, many pearls have to be matched for size, luster, color, and
nacre thickness. A strand of pearls cannot be referred to as Hanadama unless accompanied by this certificate. While there are branded
names of pearls, as well as highly regarded jewelers that market high quality Akoya pearls, it is rare to
find Hanadama quality pearls in most retail outlets due to their scarcity. The original certificate has to accompany the strand, if there
is no certificate then the strand is not Hanadama. Hanadama pearls typically rate higher in quality than AAA Akoyas. As a result,
Hanadama pearls command a substantial premium in price over similarly sized, lesser quality pearls, such as Chinese
cultured freshwater pearls. It is important to realize that only
about half of the submitted strands for Hanadama analysis are accepted as such by the Pearl Science Laboratory.
From the Land
From the Sea
Jeweled Fusion
Learn about the pearls, keshi pearl, gem, gemstones, and gold we use in our necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
We cordially invite you to Experience Jeweled Fusion of Land and Sea where we combine shimmering precious and semi-precious
gemstones with lustrous pearls and keshi pearls to create exquisit handmade designer jewelry.
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