Manufacturing and Treatments“ The thought and skill put into pearls ”
Akoya pearl
Otsuki Pearl holds the No. 1 share of the market for Akoya pearls.
We sort pearls according to strict criteria, and
we capitalize on our product lineup and sizable inventory.
The process of making a necklace
Purchasing
The trade in raw materials Akoya pearls produced in Japan is conducted every winter at pearl cultivation associations in places such as Mie Prefecture, Ehime Prefecture, and Kyushu through auction and private deal. Otsuki Pearl is the largest dealer in Akoya pearls, which includes pearls cultivated by our affiliates. The vast scope of our purchasing enables us to select pearls according to detailed standards that no other company can imitate.
Sorting to decide pearl usage
This is the process of sorting pearls by intended use, such as loose pearls for use in jewelry such as rings and earrings and pearls for necklaces, depending on the different characteristics of the pearls. All sorting is done by eye, and determining an intended use that suits each pearl is important.
Drilling
Pearls that have been sorted according to use then transition to the drilling process. When pearls are to be processed into jewelry, holes must be drilled depending on their intended use, such as a hole for threading a necklace or a hole on one side to insert a clasp or post for a ring or earring.
Sorting for drilling through
(sorting for flaws)
Pearls set aside for necklaces are further sorted according to shape and flaws.
This is an important process that greatly affects the finished necklace.
Necklace making
Pearls that have gone through several stages of detailed sorting are transformed into a single necklace through this process. Necklace making is the final process. Pearls are carefully differentiated to the last detail to maximize their beauty.
Pearls for earrings and rings
Sorting for half drilling
This is the process of sorting loose pearls for use in jewelry such as rings and earrings to decide usage and then further sorting them into finer quality categories.
Loose pearls have few flaws and are considered extremely valuable. We identify such rare and precious pearls one by one.
South Sea pearl
South Sea pearl is a general term for white and black pearls that are mainly found in the southern hemisphere.
These larger pearls are produced overseas. South Sea pearls are purchased at auctions held throughout the year in Japan and overseas.
The same team handles most of the processes from purchasing to the finished product.