What is akoya pearls?

Akoya pearls are a type of pearl. It is a cultured pearl that is harvested for about one year. On the other hand, Tahitian pearls are cultured for two to four years and South Sea freshwater pearls for two to seven years. Look here for more information: http://www.pearlnecklacesource.com/categories/Cultured-Akoya-Pearls/Akoya is the trade name for "cultured" pearls. It means the pearl was seeded or induced to grow my either a bead or a piece of shell introduced into the oyster by man. So, short answer: cultured pearls with a prettier name than cultured pearls. Good specimen only distinguishable from natural pearls using X-rays.