Understanding Pearl Grades
Pearl quality begins with sourcing. When pearls are purchased wholesale, they are offered in ranges of quality and price. Each seller chooses which range to work in and evaluates pearls within that range.
There is no universal grading system for pearls. Letter grades such as A, AA, or AAA are internal to each seller and describe relative quality within that seller’s chosen range. The same grade therefore represents different levels of quality from different companies.
For this reason, pearl grades cannot be compared across websites on their own. Understanding the sourcing range and standards behind a grade is essential to understanding pearl quality.
The Pearl Paradise Grading System
Pearl Paradise evaluates pearls selected from a high-quality sourcing range using defined standards for luster, nacre quality, surface condition, and matching. The charts below outline how these standards are applied across different pearl types.
(TIP: view grading charts by hovering over or clicking the pearl type)
Grading Chart for Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are the classic pearl, valued for their round shape and high luster. For decades, we have worked with the same family-run pearl producers in Japan, who understand our selection standards and source pearls specifically for Pearl Paradise. The akoya pearls we offer are selected from the top of the quality range we choose to work in.
|
Grade
|
Hanadama | AAA | AA+ | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Factorsrarity i
|
less than 1% annual yield | 1-3% annual yield | 3-10% annual yield | 20% annual yield |
|
luster i
|
reflection is mirror like | reflection is bright and sharp | reflection is bright and near sharp | reflection is bright but hazy around edges |
|
shape i
|
perfect round | perfect round | perfect round | round to near round |
|
surface quality i
|
98-100% blemish free | 95% blemish free or better | 85-95% blemish free or better | 75-85% blemish free or better |
|
matching i
|
excellent | good to excellent | good to excellent | fair to excellent |
|
nacre quality i
|
extremely thick | visibly thick | medium thickness | thin |
Grading Chart for Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls are known for their wide range of shapes, sizes, and natural colors. This diversity makes freshwater pearls highly versatile, with options suited to many styles and uses.
Since 1997, we have specialized in sourcing round freshwater pearls. Because round shapes are the exception rather than the norm in freshwater production, the pearls we offer represent careful selection from the higher end of the freshwater quality range.
|
Grade
|
Freshadama | AAA | AA+ | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Factorsrarity i
|
less than 1% annual yield | 1-3% annual yield | 5% annual yield | 20% annual yield |
|
luster i
|
reflection is mirror like | reflection is bright and sharp | reflection is bright and near sharp | reflection is bright but hazy around edges |
|
shape i
|
round | round to the eye | near round | near round to off round |
|
surface quality i
|
98-100% blemish free | 95% blemish free or better | 85-95% blemish free or better | 75-85% blemish free or better |
|
matching i
|
excellent | excellent | good to excellent | fair to excellent |
|
nacre quality i
|
solid nacre | solid nacre | solid nacre | solid nacre |
Grading Chart for Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian pearls are valued for their naturally dark body colors and wide range of overtones. Because of this color variation, matching Tahitian pearls into a finished strand requires sorting and evaluating large quantities of loose pearls.
We work exclusively with fine, export-grade Tahitian pearls selected for natural color, luster, and surface quality. Every Tahitian necklace we offer is individually photographed so the exact pearls being purchased can be seen.
|
Grade
|
Top Gem | AAA | AA+ | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Factorsrarity i
|
less than 1% annual yield | 1-3% annual yield | 10% annual yield | 20% annual yield |
|
luster i
|
excellent | very high | medium to high | low to medium |
|
surface quality i
|
98-100% blemish free | 90% blemish free or better | 80% blemish free or better | 70% blemish free or better |
|
color i
|
- Tahitian pearls come in a range of dark colors, and those colors are described in the detail of the jewelry we offer. - | |||
*
Grading Chart for South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls are known for their large size, limited culturing regions, and long growth period. These factors result in lower production and a narrower supply compared to other pearl types. South Sea pearls occur in colors ranging from white to natural golden, with a characteristically soft, satiny luster.
Both white and golden South Sea pearls are evaluated for size, luster, surface quality, and nacre development, with golden South Sea pearls representing a particularly limited portion of overall production.
|
Grade
|
Top Gem | AAA | AA+ | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Factorsrarity i
|
less than 1% annual yield | 1-3% annual yield | 10% annual yield | 20% annual yield |
|
luster i
|
excellent | very high to excellent | medium to high | low to medium |
|
surface quality i
|
98-100% blemish free | 90% blemish free or better | 80% blemish free or better | 70% blemish free or better |
|
color i
|
- South Sea Pearls are found in colors ranging from optic white to honey gold. - | |||
See the pearl you are buying!
Make a worry-free purchase by seeing the pearl you are buying. Pearl Paradise is the first pearl company to offer virtual appointments with a Certified Pearl Specialist. We will help you select the perfect pearl whether it’s for yourself or gift to celebrate a very special occasion.
make an appointmentHow to choose a pearl necklace
Continue your education by reading Jeremy’s overview about how to select the perfect strand of pearls.
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