Japanese Akoya Pearls Sold To Factories

Japanese Akoya pearls are sold only to factories, not to retailers. Farms in Japan sell pearls only to factories, unlike pearl farms in China. These pearls are polished, bleached, matched and drilled. Factories will buy pearls from numerous sources to create finished hanks of pearls. The factories are able to make a handsome profit with a mix of 80% Chinese and 20% Japanese.