First off, both Hanadama and AAA Quality Akoya are the same pearl type. They are both cultured saltwater Akoya pearls from the pinctada fucata martensii pearl oyster found primarily in Japan, Vietnam and China. 

Hanadama Akoya pearls are selected out of all AAA Quality Akoya pearl harvests as being the "cream of the crop" and "best of the best". So technically, these pearls are AAA Quality Akoya, but they are a cut above the majority of the harvest. 

These pearls are set aside during harvest as having the brightest, most reflective luster, thickest nacre, cleanest surfaces and perfectly round shapes. The pearls are then meticulously matched into loose hanks for necklaces, bracelets and earring pairs. Once the sorting house has a large batch of pearls ready, they send them to a grading laboratory like the Pearl Science Laboratory of Tokyo, Japan for testing. 

This third-party lab verifies each strand or pair meets strict standards for nacre thickness, luster, and orient. As a result, customers receive a PSL certificate with every Hanadama purchase, adding an extra layer of authenticity and trust that customers are buying the finest quality Akoya pearls on the market today.

Two strands of Certified Hanadama Akoya pearls.

Key Facts To Know About Hanadama Pearls

• Certified by an independent grading lab typically the Pearl Science Laboratory is the most known, but there are other reputable organizations which will perform the same testing. 
• Minimum nacre depth of 0.4mm per side Hanadama pearls have the thickest nacre layers of Akoya pearls, and x-ray analysis will reveal a minimum nacre depth of 0.4mm, but the average often ranges between 0.5-0.8mm depth. 
• Hanadama pearls are treated and non-treated. The vast majority of Hanadama pearls undergo the same standard bleaching and pinking process that all other Akoya pearls do. However, there are some totally naturally-colored, untreated pearls - these do have very cool, almost greenish undertones, but are quite strikingly beautiful if you can wear them! 
• Highest level of Luster. Hanadama pearls will feature very sharp, highly reflective luster with excellent brightness and light return. You will be able to see your face reflected in the pearl's surface a bit like a mirror, and reflected light sources edges will be very sharp, crisp and delineated. 
• Blemish rates will be 95-99% clean surfaces - the same as AAA Quality Akoya pearls.
• Prices will range from mid-hundreds for a pair of pearl studs to tens of thousands for larger sized necklaces and the highest qualities. Rare Hanadama pearl necklace sizes like 9.5-10.0mm will routinely fetch premium prices. 
  
  Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Hanadama Pearls

AAA Quality Akoya pearl rope necklace.

Key Facts About AAA Quality Akoya Pearls

 

• AAA Quality pearls represent the top 1-3% of each harvest.  
• Visibly thick nacre. While AAA Quality pearls aren't x-rayed the way Hanadama Akoya pearls are, these pearls must have visibly thick nacre, with no blinking of the bead nucleus inside. 
• AAA Akoya pearls are treated with bleaching and pinking. This treatment is considered standard for Akoya pearls. The pearls are submerged into a hydrogen peroxide solution to "bleach" away the greenish to brownish or yellowish tint that freshly harvested Akoya pearls often display. Then the pearls are soaked in a "pinking" solution to return some iridescence and rosy color to the pearls.
• Excellent level of Luster. AAA Akoya pearls will feature sharp, highly reflective luster with very high to excellent brightness and light return. You will be able to see your face reflected in the pearl's surface a bit like a mirror, but some features might not be as sharp. Reflected light sources edges will be sharp, crisp and delineated with little to no fuzzing around the edges. 
• Blemish rates will be 95% clean surfaces. ***Keep in mind that the vast majority of Akoya pearl blemishes, especially in the higher quality ranges will be colorless or white, and 
• Prices will range from low-hundreds for a pair of pearl studs to tens of thousands for larger size pearls necklaces and the highest qualities. The average range will be between $2,000 - $6,000 for the most popular sizes. 
  
  Read More: Akoya Pearl Grading Guide

 

In terms of cost, Hanadama pearls generally command a premium—often 20-50% more than AAA grade pearls—due to their rarity and certification.

 

AAA Akoya pearls, while still high-end, offer a more accessible option for those who want exceptional pearls without the top-tier price. For gifts, bridal jewelry, or everyday elegance, AAA pearls often strike the perfect balance between beauty and affordability. 

Customers should choose based on their intent and expectations. AAA pearls are excellent for those seeking high-quality pearls at a more moderate price point—ideal for first-time buyers, daily wear, or thoughtful gifts.

 

Hanadama pearls are suited for collectors, special milestone celebrations, or customers who prioritize perfection, provenance, and long-term value. The added brilliance and certified quality make Hanadama pearls heirloom-worthy.

My Personal Take:

As a pearl lover and educated professional working in the pearl industry for nearly two decades, I am a luster and iridescence junkie! So my own personal preference is to opt for smaller-sized, high-quality pearls, with the highest luster and iridescence over a larger, but less lustrous choice.

That said, there are a ton of customers that go for a more impressive size rather than luster (and I get it!), especially since Hanadama and AAA Quality Akoya pearls are so close to each other in so many other respects like perfection of shape, classic white coloring, rate of surface blemishing and so on.

Before making any decisions, consider your budget, the occasion and really what you consider to be most important to you when purchasing Akoya pearl jewelry.

Until next time ...

 

XO,

Ashley M.

 

 

 

ALL THAT YOU WANT, NOTHING YOU DON'T

 

 

 

This exquisite set features stunning 7.0-7.5mm white Japanese Akoya pearls, known for their remarkable luster and charm. Each piece is hand-selected to ensure perfectly round shapes and smooth surfaces. You'll appreciate the subtle pastel overtones that enhance your natural beauty, making these pearls versatile for both casual outings and elegant evenings. Finely crafted with your preferences in mind, this matching necklace and earring set is designed to complement any wardrobe.

 

The exceptional quality of these pearls comes from Japan, particularly from regions renowned for Akoya pearl farming such as Mie and Ehime. The traditional cold-water methods used in these areas produce pearls with a thicker nacre than their Chinese counterparts, ensuring durability and brilliance. These farming practices focus on environmental stewardship, allowing the oysters to thrive in clean, nutrient-rich waters. To learn more about the unique qualities of Akoya pearls, check out our Akoya Pearl Buying Guide.

 

At Pure Pearls, we believe in delivering quality and craftsmanship without the luxury price tag. Our direct-to-consumer model allows us to offer you the same exquisite pearls found in high-end stores, but at a fraction of the cost. Plus, with our 100-day free returns, you can shop with confidence knowing you can find the perfect piece. We strive to ensure your experience reflects the elegance and sophistication you deserve.