Pearl Grading Guide

Pearl grading plays a crucial role in determining the value of pearls and helps in making an informed purchase decision for pearl jewelry. Unlike gemstones, there is no universal grading system for pearls. It’s essential for buyers to understand the grading process to select the finest pearl jewelry at a reasonable price. Pearls nation boasts a rich experience of over 20 years in the pearl industry and has set the benchmark for pearl quality.

Pearls Nation takes pride in offering the best quality pearls at the same price as other online pearl jewelry merchants, and the best price for pearls of the same quality.

Generally, A-AAAA Grading System is used to evaluate pearls, this pearl grading guide provides insight into the specific criteria used to determine the worth of pearls.

When grading pearls, insiders use the following 7 value factors:
Luster
Shape
Size
Surface
Nacre
Origin
Color

In the following section, we will examine each of these elements separately and analyze their impact on the overall worth of a pearl.

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Luster is an essential characteristic that distinguishes high-quality pearls from lower quality ones. Pearls with high luster have a bright, shiny surface that reflects light beautifully, creating an iridescent effect that is highly desirable. On the other hand, pearls with poor luster have a dull, hazy surface that reflects light poorly, making them appear less attractive and valuable.

The luster of pearls is influenced by several factors, including the type of oyster that produces the pearl, the water quality in which the oyster lives, and the farming techniques used to cultivate the pearl. Pearls that are grown in clean, nutrient-rich water tend to have a higher luster than those that are grown in polluted or low-nutrient water. Similarly, pearls that are harvested from healthy and well-maintained oysters tend to have a higher luster than those that are taken from sick or stressed oysters.

The way pearls are handled and cared for can also affect their luster. Pearls that are stored in dry, dark environments away from direct sunlight and heat tend to maintain their luster over time, while those that are exposed to harsh conditions may lose their shine and become dull.

Luster of pearls is a crucial factor that determines their value. High-quality pearls with excellent luster are highly sought-after and can command high prices, while pearls with poor luster are less desirable and may be sold for much less. When buying pearls, it is important to pay attention to their luster and other characteristics to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.

The shape of a pearl is an important factor in determining its overall value and desirability. Pearls come in a variety of shapes, which range from perfectly round to baroque. While round pearls tend to be the most valuable due to their rarity, other shapes can also be highly sought after.

One of the most popular non-round shapes is the teardrop or pear shape. These pearls are valued for their elegant and graceful appearance, as well as their versatility in jewelry design. Baroque pearls, which have irregular or asymmetrical shapes, are also prized for their unique and one-of-a-kind look.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the shape of a pearl can also indicate its quality and origin. For example, freshwater pearls are often elongated or irregular in shape, while saltwater pearls tend to be rounder and more consistent in shape. A perfectly round pearl is extremely rare and will often command a higher price due to its scarcity.

When it comes to determining the value of pearls, size is a key factor that is taken into consideration. Generally, larger pearls are more valuable than smaller pearls. This is because larger pearls are rarer and take longer to grow, making them a more desirable commodity.

The size of a pearl is measured in millimeters and can range from tiny seed pearls to large South Sea pearls, which can be as large as 20mm in diameter. The size of a pearl can also affect its appearance, as larger pearls tend to have a greater luster and a more impressive presence when worn as jewelry.

However, it is important to note that size is not the only factor that determines the value of pearls. Evaluators also consider other factors such as shape, symmetry, and surface quality when grading pearls. A smaller pearl with exceptional quality may be more valuable than a larger pearl with poor quality.

The surface quality of a pearl is a critical factor in determining its value. The surface quality of a pearl refers to the smoothness and clarity of its outer layer. The smoother and more flawless the surface of a pearl, the higher its value. The surface of a pearl should be free of blemishes, such as pits, cracks, and discolorations. A pearl’s surface quality can affect its luster, which is the intensity and quality of its reflective sheen.

When examining a pearl’s surface, evaluators check for blemishes, spots, cracks, or other types of imperfections. The fewer the blemishes, the more valuable the pearl. Pearls with smooth surfaces and high lustre are highly sought after and therefore command higher prices.

Pearls with uneven surfaces, significant blemishes, or irregular shapes are typically considered lower quality and less desirable. Pearl farmers often go to great lengths to ensure that the pearls they cultivate have the smoothest surfaces possible, as this greatly impacts the pearl’s value.

Nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is a substance that covers the inside of a mollusk’s shell and is responsible for the creation of pearls. This substance is composed of calcium carbonate and proteins that are secreted by the mollusk in response to an irritant, such as a piece of sand or a parasite. As the mollusk continues to secrete nacre, a pearl is formed.

The quality of nacre is a significant factor in determining the value of a pearl. The thickness and uniformity of the nacre layer can impact the pearl’s lustre, which is the measure of how well the pearl reflects light. Pearls with a thick, uniform layer of nacre are highly valued because they have a high lustre and a smooth surface.

On the other hand, pearls with a thin or uneven layer of nacre may have a dull appearance and a rough surface. These pearls are typically considered to be of lower quality and are less valuable.

The origin of a pearl can greatly affect its value. Pearls that come from certain regions are more highly prized than those from others. For example, Akoya pearls from Japan or the South Sea pearls are typically more valuable than pearls from China or freshwater sources.

This is because the environment in which the pearl is formed can affect its size, color, and luster. Pearls that are grown in nutrient-rich waters with ideal temperatures and salinity levels tend to be larger, more colorful, and shinier than pearls grown in less optimal conditions.

In addition to the physical characteristics of the pearl, the rarity of pearls from certain regions also adds to their value. For example, natural pearls from the Persian Gulf are extremely rare and highly sought after, which drives up their value.

It’s important for buyers to be aware of the origin of the pearls they are purchasing and to understand how it affects the value. This can help them make informed decisions and ensure they are getting the best value for their money.

Color is one of the most important factors when it comes to determining the value of pearls. The color of a pearl can range from white to black, and everything in between. Generally, the most valuable pearls are those with deep, rich colors that are even and consistent throughout the pearl.

White or cream-colored pearls are the most common and tend to be less valuable than other colors. However, if the pearl has an overtone of pink, green, or blue, it can increase the value significantly. Black pearls are also highly prized, especially those with a green or blue tint.

The rarity of the color also affects the value of pearls. For example, Akoya pearls with a natural golden color are extremely rare and therefore more valuable. Similarly, natural pink pearls are incredibly rare and can command high prices.

It’s important to note that pearl color is not always an indication of quality. Some pearls may have a beautiful, unique color but lack the luster and surface quality of a higher quality pearl. Buyers should always consider the overall quality of the pearl when making a purchase.

In contrast to other gemstones’ grading, the pearl industry lacks a standardized grading system. Each company has its own subjective and distinct grading system. Although several grading systems are in use, most reputable pearl vendors employ either the AAAA-A or A-D quality classifications.

Typically, the AAAA-A and A-D grading scales can be used interchangeably for all types of pearls. The AAAA-A scale comprises AAAA,AAA, AA+, AA, and A grades, with AAAA being the highest and A being the lowest. On the other hand, the A-D scale starts with A as the highest grade, followed by B, C, and D.

AAAA/Top grade:

· No visible blemishing
· Perfectly round
· Exhibits mirror-like reflective luster
· Excellent matching

AAA/Very High Grade:

· 98% or more coverage is clean or fewer blemishes not visible to naked eye.
· Nacre is very thick at 0.4mm or more.
· The lustre is very high, with excellent reflection rates.
· The Pearls are perfectly round.
· Match almost perfectly in strands.

AA+/High Grade:

· 95% or more coverage is clean or minor blemishes not visible to naked eye.
· Nacre is very thick at 0.4mm or more.
· The lustre is high, with very good reflection rates.
· The Pearls are perfectly round.
· Match excellently to very good in strands.

AA/Medium Grade:

· 80% or more coverage is clean with minor to medium blemishes.
· Nacre is medium thickness.
· The lustre is medium, with good to fair reflection rates.
· The Pearls are round.
· Match well in strands.

AAAA/Highest grade of freshwater pearl:

·Top 0.01% of freshwater pearls
·Clean surface with minimum of 98% or more coverage.
·Fewer blemishes, with 0-2% surface coverage.
·Exhibit intense luster, with excellent reflection.
·Round
·Excellent matching in strands.

AAA/Very High Grade:

·Top 1% of freshwater pearls
·Clean surface with minimum of 95% or more coverage.
·Minor blemishes, with 0-5% coverage
·Exhibit excellent luster,with excellent reflection
·Round
·Excellent matching in strands.

AA+/High Grade:

·Top 5% of freshwater pearls
·Clean surface with minimum of 95% or more coverage.
·Minor blemishes, with 0-5% coverage
·Luster is good to strong, with a very good reflection rate.
·Near round to round.
·Excellent to good matching.

AA/Medium Grade:

·Top 10% of freshwater pearls produced today
·Clean surface with 80-100% coverage.
·Minor to medium blemishes.
·The lustre is medium, with good to fair reflection rates.
·Near round to off-round
·Match well to fairly in strands.

The two most commonly accepted systems of grading for South Sea pearls and Tahitian pearls are the A-D system and the A-AAAA system.

pearlsnation.com utilizes the A-AAAA grading system when evaluating South Sea cultured pearls.

AAAA/Gem grade pearl:

·Gem grade pearl
·Flawless pearl with excellent luster
·Pearl exhibits no inclusions or imperfections prior to setting or drilling.

AAA/Very High Grade:

·95% and above of the surface is clean of coverage.
·5% or fewer slight imperfections that are not visible to the naked eye.
·Very high luster , with excellent to very good reflection rates.

AA+/High Grade:

·The surface is clean with 80-85% or more coverage.
·There is a 15-20% blemish rate.
·The lustre is high, with very good to good reflection rates.
·Pearl should drill or set clean to nearly clean
·Only one or two deep inclusions allowable

AA/Medium Grade:

·70% coverage of the surface is clean.
·30% minor blemishes and 10% slight, concentrated imperfections.
·High luster , with very good to good reflection rates.
·Only one or two deep inclusions allowable
·Pearl should drill or set nearly clean

Tahitian pearls and South Sea pearls are most commonly accepted by the A-D grading system and the A-AAAA grading system.

Pearlsnation.com utilizes the A-AAAA grading system when evaluating Tahitian pearls.

AAAA/Gem grade pearl:

·Flawless surface clean with minimum 95% or more coverage.
·0-5% or fewer slight imperfections that are not visible to the naked eye.
·High luster with excellent reflection rates.
·Exhibits no inclusions or imperfections prior to setting or drilling

AAA/Very High Grade:

·Flawless surface clean with minimum 90% or more coverage.
·The surface has 10% or fewer slight slight , concentrated imperfections.
·The lustre is very high, with excellent to very good reflection rates.
·Only a single deep inclusion allowable.

AA+/High Grade:

·Clean surface with 80% or more coverage.
·20% blemish rate with slight, concentrated imperfections.
·The lustre is very high, with very good to good reflection rates.
·No more than two deep inclusions

AA/Medium Grade:

·Clean surface with 70% or more coverage.
·There are 30% minor blemishes and slight, concentrated imperfections.
·The lustre is high with good to fair reflection rates.
·No more than two deep inclusions.

A+/Low Grade:

·Clean surface with 40% or more coverage.
·60% minor blemishes and slight, concentrated imperfections.
·Visible flaws on surface, including 10% deep imperfections.
·The lustre is medium to high, with fair reflection rate.