Pearl grading system

Every gemstone has some specific system by which it is differentiated into different grades. Just like 4 C’s of diamond grading system pearl also has its own grading system depending on different factors. The grading of pearls is basically depends upon size, shape, color, luster, surface quality and nacre quality. All these factors collectively affect overall quality, rarity and beauty of pearl.

From all these six factors, size of pearl play the most important role in evaluating pearls. Pearl industry does not have a universal grading system; there are two major grading systems which are widely used; the AAA to A grading system and A to D grading system. A to D system is special grading system used for evaluating only Tahitian pearls.

The AAA-A grading system

This system is usually used for grading freshwater pearls and akoya pearls; many dealers use this system also to evaluate South sea pearls. In this system pearls are graded from AAA to A. AAA is highest grade for pearls.
AAA- pearl with this grade is virtually the flawless, with very high luster and almost 95-96% of pearl surface will be free from surface blemishes.
AA- pearl with “AA” grading will have very high luster and almost 80% for pearl surface will be free from any type of blemishes.
A-This is lowest grade in this pearl grading system; pearls with this grade will have low surface luster and almost more than 30% of pearl surface will show some kind of surface blemishes.

The A-D grading system (Tahitian grading system)

This pearl grading system is exclusively for Tahitian pearls and sometimes South Sea pearls; so the name Tahitian system. This system pearls are graded on scale from A to D.
This system is used in only countries which produce these pearls.
- Pearl with A grade is highest quality pearl with very high luster and very minor surface imperfections; almost the perfect Black pearl.
- Pearl with B grade may have high or medium luster; pearl surface may have some blemishes.
- Pearl will have medium luster and more visible surface blemishes.
- Pearls with this grade have very low luster and over 60% of pearl surface may have visible surface blemishes.

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