White South Sea pearls being individually graded and sorted

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 White 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.

A-D Description

A-AAA US Grading

Description

Top Gem

Gem Grade

  • Gem Grade Flawless pearl with excellent luster
  • Pearl exhibits no inclusions or imperfections prior to setting or drilling

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.

*The Pearl Science Laboratory follows the laws set forth by the FTC that it is considered unfair to describe cultured pearls as "flawless" because no pearls can pass perfect examination under a 10x magnfication. Although you can't see it, the surface of a pearl is textured. For that reason, all certificates will state "very slight" in the blemishing category.