These Akoya pearl earrings hang in a gentle line, almost like lily-of-the-valley flowers.

The total length is 9 cm. The silver chain and pearls are connected with very fine 0.34 mm wire.

The pearls are color-treated Akoya pearls with a slightly stronger pink tone, measuring about 5.6 mm.

Around 7 mm is often considered a standard size for Akoya pearls, as pearls of that size are harvested in relatively large quantities. Compared with that, 5 mm belongs to the smaller side.

At the same time, they are slightly larger than the 3–4 mm pearls often called baby pearls.

So 5 mm sits in a rather interesting position—not quite a baby pearl, but still noticeably smaller than a typical Akoya pearl.

I personally do not work with 5 mm pearls very often, so even for me, this size feels a little unusual. They are simply cute, and I think they are especially easy to wear in everyday life.

One detail I particularly like about these earrings is that the chain does not pass through the pearls.

Because the chain is not threaded directly through them, I do not need to enlarge the pearl holes, which means the holes remain much less noticeable.

The difference may only be 0.1 or 0.2 mm, but personally, I believe that keeping a pearl’s drill hole as invisible—or as discreet—as possible is a kind of respect for the pearl itself.

Another important detail is the way the chain continues below the final pearl and ends simply as a chain.

All of the pearls used here were already fully drilled, so for the lowest pearl there were basically two choices: hide the hole with some kind of fitting, or continue the chain through it.

I have become a little tired of adding metal fittings simply to hide a drill hole. Sometimes it can make a design feel too conventional.

So this time, I decided to let the chain hang freely.

Perhaps normally something should be attached to the end of that chain.

But this time, I wanted to leave some empty space.

Something like the space between the lines when reading a book.

A design that ends neatly with a pearl at the very tip is beautiful too, of course.

But here, I intentionally left the end unfinished.

I hope that little bit of emptiness feels more like a lingering aftertaste.

These pearls are also very photogenic.

In reality, their luster is not overwhelmingly strong, but because the surfaces are very smooth, they reflect light beautifully and can appear especially glossy in photographs.

The silver chain catches the light with a bright, metallic sparkle.

Around the ear, the warm glow of the pearls and the cooler shine of the silver come together, adding light and movement around the face.

That last part started to sound like a very typical product description.

But really, these earrings—with pearls and chains hanging 9 cm from the ear—are simply very cute.

Can you see the lily of the valley now?

Suzuran — Lily of the Valley Earrings
Japanese Akoya Pearls
Pearl size: approx. 5.6 mm
Total length: approx. 9 cm
Silver 925

If you’d like to see more of the process behind my Akoya pearl jewelry, please take a look at the related stories below.

The Secrets of Pearl Processing: Crafting My Akoya Pearl Earrings

Meltwater – Akoya Pearl Earrings

New “Tsuioku” Earrings Added – Handmade 9mm Akoya Pearl Jewelry by Flower Jem

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