Making the Beauty of Pearls Available and Affordable to Everyone
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| Cultured South Sea Pearl Grading |
South Sea pearls are graded much like Tahitian pearls and the two most commonly accepted systems of grading are the A-D system, and the A-AAA system. PearlParadise.com utilizes the A-AAA grading system when valuating South Sea cultured pearls.
Although color does influence the value of South Sea pearls, it does not necessarily influence the grade. A strand of AAA grade golden South Sea pearls of a light yellow coloration, for example, may be worth much less than an equivalent strand of deep, naturally-gold colored pearls.
Please note, PearlParadise.com does not subscribe to superfluous grades such as AAA+ and AAAA. These are not industry accepted grades.
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| A-D Grading |
A-AAA US Grading |
Description |
| Top Gem |
Gem Grade |
Flawless on at least 90% of pearl’s surface
Only 10% of pearl’s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Only a single deep inclusion allowable
Pearl should drill or set clean to virtually clean
Luster very high to excellent* |
| A |
AAA |
Flawless on at least 90% of pearl’s surface
Only 10% of pearl’s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Only a single deep inclusion allowable
Pearl should drill or set clean to virtually clean
Luster very high to excellent* |
| A/B |
AA+ |
Flawless on at least 80% of pearl’s surface
Only 20% of pearl’s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Only one or two deep inclusions allowable
Pearl should drill or set clean to nearly clean
Luster is high to very high* |
| B |
AA |
Flawless on at least 70% of pearl’s surface
Only 30% of pearl’s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Only one or two deep inclusions allowable
Pearl should drill or set nearly clean
Luster is high to very high* |
| C |
A+ |
Flawless on at least 40% of pearl’s surface
Up to 60% of pearl’s surface may exhibit slight, concentrated imperfections
Deep inclusions are limited to 10% of pearl’s surface
Luster is medium to very high* |
| D |
A |
At least 60% of pearl’s surface will exhibit flaws
Deep inclusions and/or white spots within inclusions on up to 20% of pearl’s surface
Luster is poor to very high* |
| *South Sea pearls are known for their warm, satiny luster which does not typically exhibit the same reflective qualities of other cultured pearls. |
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