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Pearl Grading

The most important thing to understand when comparing pearl grades: Every company in the world that sells pearls uses a grading system that they themselves arbitrarily created. There is no standardized system.

The most important thing to understand when comparing pearl grades: Every company in the world that sells pearls uses a grading system that they themselves arbitrarily created. There is no standardized system. When pearls are purchased wholesale, a range of quality and price is always presented. Buyers determine which pearls fall into their respective grading categories. One buyer’s AAA grade can be another’s A or AA grade simply because one is selecting from a more expensive, higher range of pearl. The highest-rated pearl from one seller might not meet the minimum threshold of another seller’s lowest grade—even if the presented letter grades are identical. However, certain elements are considered when grading A-AAA

  1.  Luster   – reflection bright but hazy around edges to reflection mirror like
  2.  Surface Quality – 75% blemish free to 100% blemish free
  3.  Shape – near round to perfect round
  4.  Color – Tahitians come in rage of dark colors while South Sea from optic white to honey gold 
  5. Matching – fair to excellent 
  6. Nacre Quality -solid nacre